Top Dividend Stocks To Buy For 2017: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Yahoo! Builds Its Own YouTube

This sounds like a suicide mission: struggling portal site takes on 600-pound video gorilla. Mayhem ensues. Or maybe not.

Tech website re/code reported on Friday that Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) is working on a plan to build a competitor to the ubiquitous YouTube franchise that Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) paid $1.65 billion for in late 2006. Just a guess, but Yahoo is likely to spend a lot more than that to get a competitive product out the door.

Still, the company and its CEO Marissa Meyer seem to be attacking in the right way. According to the reports, Yahoo is using the promise of more cash to lure the star talent and the popular YouTube channels away from Google and into the Yahoo fold. The interloper is trying to take advantage of the complaints by content providers that they don't make enough money on YouTube.

That may be true, but the only way Yahoo can fix that is by paying more — probably a whole lot more. Yahoo is apparently telling video makers that it can offer better deals than YouTube either through better advertising revenue or guaranteed ad rates for the makers' programming. Yahoo is also offering other inducements, including promotional space on the site's heavily trafficked home page.

Yahoo has another problem. YouTube is not only the world's leading streaming video site, but it is also the world's leading music streaming site. Pandora Media Inc. (NYSE: P), Spotify, Rdio, and the rest pale in comparison. How will Yahoo steal that business? Only at great cost.

At the very least, to dislodge the YouTube giant will require a massive investment in popular talent. Katie Couric's addition to Yahoo's stable was a start, but the company is going to need to do a deal with someone like Howard Stern at an enormous contract rate. Stern got $500 million from Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) in his original five-year deal and a similar deal for the next five years through the end of 2015. Stern will be available relatively soon, but he won't come cheap. Just sayin'.

When China's Alibaba finally comes public, Yahoo stands to gain a warchest of $37 billion if it sells its entire stake. It will have the cash to spend on going up against YouTube, but YouTube is not without resources of its own. Google is sitting on cash and short-term investments of around $50 billion.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

How China's GDP Growth Target Is a Double-Edged Sword for DryShips Inc. & Diana Shipping Inc.

China announced it is shooting for 7.5% GDP for 2014. At the sound of that target, DryShips (NASDAQ: DRYS ) and Diana Shipping (NYSE: DSX ) are likely celebrating. China is the primary country these days responsible for rising market rates for dry shipping, but something in the announcement may warrant a bit of caution.

The positive side
According to Nikos Roussanoglou of Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide, this is positive news for dry shipping. Though the number is slightly down from the 7.7% GDP growth of 2013, it's still an aggressive economic growth target that, if achieved, would have a large positIve impact.

China growth tends to result in much higher demand for dry shipping volumes. For example, as Roussanoglou points out, China imported approximately 1 billion tons of cargo in 2008, and that figure more than doubled to 2.1 billion in just five years for 2013. The number one commodity in demand for China is iron ore for its production of steel. BIMCO's chief shipping analyst Peter Sand puts it well when he says, "The sheer size of the world's second-largest economy now gives so much impetus to our industry that we have become addicted to China."

Sand emphasizes that support from China is needed to maintain a strong sustainable market. He believes the industry will continue to see balance between supply and demand.

The cautious side
Meanwhile, hedge fund manager and shipping industry expert Jay Goodgal has a different perspective. He believes that the news out of China means supply of new ships in the form of the orderbook is going to continue to escalate. This higher supply will, in turn, depress rates. He points out that decreased supply has been a vital part of the forecast models from shipowners, analysts, and investors, and he believes they have it all wrong.

Within the 7.5% GDP target report, Goodgal points out that China's No. 1 priority is employment. The goal is 11 million new jobs in China, with sights on more. One way to achieve this, according to Goodgal, is to support the shipbuilding industry. New ship orders, he reasons, will increase employment. Shipbuilding supports a vast number of jobs, and these are exactly the types of jobs the Chinese government is trying to create. As a bonus, Goodgal implies, the Chinese government is well aware that if it supports the shipbuilding industry, it will lead to greater global supply and cheaper transportation costs for China.

Goodgal asks, "If this were a poker game, who would have the label of 'sucker' on their forehead?"

Foolish final thoughts
What Goodgal warns sounds like it makes sense, but it may take some time before policies are implemented that increase ship builds that lead to an increase in the number of ships actually delivered. Any new orders in 2014 won't be delivered this year, so it seems like his concern is more for the long term.

Still, the market is a forward-looking beast, so keep a close eye on news of continued new orders, or government policy out of China designed to stimulate new orders. By being prepared for this news in advance of the street, you can avoid possibly being a "sucker," as Goodgal calls it. At the same time, you can potentially enjoy the upside gains in the meantime if Roussanoglou and Sand are correct about a stronger market in 2014

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Friday, March 28, 2014

How China's GDP Growth Target Is a Double-Edged Sword for DryShips Inc. & Diana Shipping Inc.

Sand emphasizes that support from China is needed to maintain a strong sustainable market. He believes the industry will continue to see balance between supply and demand.

Goodgal asks, "If this were a poker game, who would have the label of 'sucker' on their forehead?"

Can you answer "YES" to these 5 questions?

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Can Fuel Cell Stocks Learn to React Reasonably Around News?

Two days ago, on Tuesday, the CEO of Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) said that the company had signed a new contract with a global automaker and that details would be forthcoming in two or three weeks. Investors could not wait, though, sending the stock price up nearly 43% for the day.

The news also lifted shares of FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) and Ballard Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP) by about 28% and 18%, respectively. But none of the three stocks hit a new 52-week high. That happened two weeks before when Plug Power announced a sale of 1,700 fuel cell-forklifts to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT).

A week after the Plug Power announcement, FuelCell said it received a $2.8 million federal contract to complete a demonstration project. On the trading day, for every dollar in that contract FuelCell’s market cap rose by $14.

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Ballard Power is the company that makes the actual fuel cells that Plug Power and FuelCell Energy integrate into their own end products, so it makes some sense that Ballard should tag along behind the other two stocks.

It turns out, however, that Plug Power’s CEO misspoke on Tuesday. The contract with a global automaker had already been disclosed on March 13 when the company reported quarterly results. That sent the stock plummeting on Wednesday, dragging FuelCell Energy and Ballard Power along behind.

As one research firm has pointed out, these are all “casino” stocks, where the action is what matters, not the direction. Anyone looking for a long-term investment in the fuel cell makers is going to be seriously disappointed before too long.

The big moves in Plug Power’s stock on Tuesday and Wednesday, in the real world, might have moved the stock a few percentage points. But a jump of 42% one day and drop of nearly that size the next day is a signal that there is nothing real about the share price of either Plug Power or its cohorts.

We tried to put a fair value on the stocks earlier this week. It is only a guess, of course, but it is probably no further off than any other guess. Which is to say, who knows what these stocks are worth today or what they will be worth in a year or two? Like everything else, they are worth whatever someone will pay for them.

But who are those someones? Trading these stocks is like playing high-stakes poker — everyone at the table knows how to play the cards; what the winners know is when to bet, when to fold and what their opponents are most likely to do.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014

Blue chip stocks had their best day since October with the Dow surging almost 200 points to snap a five-day losing streak after a better-than-expected report on the U.S. jobs market

The Dow Jones Industrial Average spiked 198.69 points, or 1.26% to close at 16,020.2. That marks the stock benchmark�� best one-day performance since its 205-point climb on Oct. 16.

The S&P 500 index gained 20 points, or 1.12% to end the day at 1,805.09. And the Nasdaq Composite tacked on 29.3 points, or 0.73% to close at 4,062.2.

According to the Labor Department, U.S. employers hired at a steady pace in November, sending payrolls up by 203,000 and lowering the unemployment rate to 7%. Economists had expected 180,000 new jobs in November and unemployment at 7.2%.

Investors had been fixated on the monthly jobs data after a series of readings on the U.S. economy this past week pointed to an improving labor environment and a stronger manufacturing sector. Those reports, however, ignited concerns of an imminent pullback in the Federal Reserve�� stimulus efforts and sent the Dow and S&P 500 falling for the last five sessions.,

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014: McDonald's Corporation(MCD)

McDonald?s Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a worldwide foodservice retailer. It franchises and operates McDonald?s restaurants that offer various food items, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages. As of December 31, 2009, the company operated 32,478 restaurants in 117 countries, of which 26,216 were operated by franchisees; and 6,262 were operated by the company. McDonald?s Corporation was founded in 1948 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Daniela Pylypczak]
On Thursday, workers from three states filed lawsuits against fast-food giant McDonald’s Corporation (MCD).

Filing in California, Michigan, and New York, workers are accusing McDonald’s in engaging in a variety of practices to avoid paying employees what they are owed. Some of the violations include the use of software that monitors the ratio of labor costs as a percentage of revenue. Lawyers noted that the class action lawsuits could affect roughly 30,000 workers; the suits seek back pay and other damages [see also A Brief History of JP Morgan�� Massive Fines (JPM)].

Commenting on the allegations, a McDonald’s franchise in Oak Brook, Illinois stated that they will be investigating the matter; “McDonald’s and our independent owner-operators share a concern and commitment to the well-being and fair treatment of all people who work in McDonald’s restaurants.”

McDonald’s shares fell 1.38% during Thursday’s session. Year-to-date, the stock is up 2.39%.

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014: Apple Inc.(AAPL)

Apple Inc., together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, as well as sells related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications worldwide. The company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers, and value-added resellers. In addition, it sells third-party Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and peripherals through its online and retail stores; and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. The company sells its products to consumer, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, government, and creative markets. As of September 25, 2010, it had 317 retail stores, including 233 stores in the United States and 84 stores internationally. The company, formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc., was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Geoff Gannon]
It�� very hard to quantify something like 35% revenue growth. I always bring this point up when people want to know my view of Apple (AAPL). My view of Apple is that I can see a lot of its qualities for what they are ��but I have a really hard time putting what I know about Apple into numbers. I don�� want to say Apple�� value is incalculable. A lot of people obviously do calculate the company�� value. I just find it very hard to value because I know what matters at Apple ��I just don�� feel comfortable quantifying the things that matter and plugging them into some formula.
[By Evan Niu, CFA]
The smartphone market continues to be increasingly dominated by Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) and Samsung, who are viciously battling to hold down their forts while grabbing share from each other. Kantar Worldpanel ComTech has released its most recent estimates for the three months ending in May, and each company is playing strong defense.
[By Stone Fox Capital]
Just last year Apple (AAPL) appeared set to win the race amongst a group of select tech stock to reach $1,000. Though the company had become the largest valued stock in the world, it still was competing with Google (GOOG) and Priceline (PCLN) to be the first to reach the magical $1,000 mark. Clearly reaching such a figure is partially the function of not splitting the stock, but it also is indicative of truly fast growth.

Top 5 Cheap Stocks To Buy For 2014: Visa Inc.(V)

Visa Inc., a payments technology company, engages in the operation of retail electronic payments network worldwide. It facilitates commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company owns and operates VisaNet, a global processing platform that provides transaction processing services. It also offers a range of payments platforms, which enable credit, charge, deferred debit, debit, and prepaid payments, as well as cash access for consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company provides its payment platforms under the Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS, and Interlink brand names. In addition, it offers value-added services, including risk management, issuer processing, loyalty, dispute management, value-added information, and CyberSource-branded services. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Charles Carlson]
The only three Dow stocks that do not are actually, interestingly, two of the newest members, Goldman Sachs (GS) and Visa (V), and the third stock is UnitedHealth Group (UNH), which is also a fairly new member to the Dow.
[By Reuters]
Steven Senne/AP BOSTON -- Companies that help Target process payments could face millions of dollars in fines and costs resulting from the unprecedented data breach that struck the retailer during the holiday shopping season. Investigators are still sorting through just how thieves compromised about 40 million payment cards and the information of about 70 million Target (TGT) customers. But people who have reviewed past data breaches believe Target's partners could face consumer lawsuits and fines that payment networks such as Visa (V) and MasterCard (MA) often levy after cybersecurity incidents. Target's partners "have deep pockets and are intimately involved in certain aspects of how Target gets paid," said Jamie Pole, a cybersecurity consultant in Asheboro, N.C., who works for government agencies and the financial industry. Fines and settlement costs could reach into the millions of dollars for individual companies, he said, though much will depend on how the ultimate liability for the breach is determined. Boston attorney Cynthia Larose of Mintz Levin said Target would likely seek to add its partners as defendants to lawsuits already filed over the breach. "These class-action lawsuits start to bring everyone in at some point," she said. After its systems were penetrated by hackers in the mid-2000s, retailer TJX Cos. (TJX) agreed to pay up to $40.9 million to cover fraud costs in a settlement with Visa. Visa also issued penalties of $880,000 against Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) of Ohio, which processed transactions for TJX. Asked about the business relationships and possible costs, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation and pending suits. A Visa spokeswoman declined to comment. A MasterCard spokesman said the company couldn't discuss an ongoing investigation. Handling Target Transactions Several companies are involved in any purchase from a store such as Target. A bank issues the consumer's payment card
[By Ben Levisohn]
The Dow was weighed down by Nike, which fell 3% to $76.84 ahead of next week’s earnings, while United Health dropped 2.6% to $72.14 and Pfizer declined 2.2% to $30.65. Only five Dow components finished in the green, including Visa (V), which rose 3.1% to $205.66 after Mastercard’s (MA) big dividend/buyback/stock-slit announcement.

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014: Philip Morris International Inc(PM)

Philip Morris International Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in markets outside of the United States. Its international product brand line comprises Marlboro, Merit, Parliament, Virginia Slims, L&M, Chesterfield, Bond Street, Lark, Muratti, Next, Philip Morris, and Red & White. The company also offers its products under the A Mild, Dji Sam Soe, and A Hijau in Indonesia; Diana in Italy; Optima and Apollo-Soyuz in the Russian Federation; Morven Gold in Pakistan; Boston in Colombia; Belmont, Canadian Classics, and Number 7 in Canada; Best and Classic in Serbia; f6 in Germany; Delicados in Mexico; Assos in Greece; and Petra in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It operates primarily in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. The company is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Albert Alfonso]
Altria's anticipated EPS growth rate is important to determine the level of its next dividend increase. Altria aims to increase its dividend in line with EPS growth. Since its 2008 spin-off of Philip Morris International (PM), Altria's dividend increases have averaged a CAGR of 8.7%. Also during this timeframe, Altria has averaged a dividend payout ratio of 80%. Altria has a long history of dividend increases, and has increased its dividend 46 times in the past 44 years.
[By GuruFocus]
The decade low yield of tobacco stocks can be clearly seen from our new interactive charts, which are embedded below. The chart shows the dividend yield of three tobacco stocks: Reynolds American (RAI), Philip Morris International (PM) and British American Tobacco (BTI).

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014: Colgate-Palmolive Company(CL)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. It offers oral care products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouth rinses, as well as dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals; personal care products, such as liquid hand soap, shower gels, bar soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos, and conditioners; and home care products comprising laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, bleaches, dishwashing liquids, and oil soaps. The company offers its oral, personal, and home care products under the Colgate Total, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate 360 Advisors' Opinion:

[By Lee Jackson]
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE: CL) is a top consumer staples name to make the UBS. Colgate sells its products in more than 200 countries and makes more than 75% of its revenue outside the United States, which provides geographic diversification and growth opportunities in emerging markets for the company. This diversity, matched with a huge list of consumer products, keeps revenues and dividends growing. Investors are paid a 2.3% dividend. The consensus target is $67.14. Colgate closed Tuesday at $64.34.
[By Dan Caplinger]
One concern, though, is how the company handled news of Venezuela's currency devaluation. Clorox (NYSE: CLX ) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL ) also felt the pinch, with Clorox taking about a $0.05 to $0.10 per-share earnings hit and Colgate losing about $0.50 per share. But they also addressed the potential devaluation more proactively than P&G did. Clorox actually�anticipated�the devaluation in its February earnings report, projecting the potential hit if a devaluation took place. Colgate didn't provide specific guidance in advance but clearly saw it as an issue, delivering on a promise to give prompt guidance revisions after the devaluation occurred.

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014: International Business Machines Corporation(IBM)

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. Its Global Technology Services segment provides IT infrastructure and business process services, including strategic outsourcing, process, integrated technology, and maintenance services, as well as technology-based support services. The company?s Global Business Services segment offers consulting and systems integration, and application management services. Its Software segment offers middleware and operating systems software, such as WebSphere software to integrate and manage business processes; information management software for database and enterprise content management, information integration, data warehousing, business analytics and intelligence, performance management, and predictive analytics; Tivoli software for identity management, data security, storage management, and datacenter automation; Lotus software for collaboration, messaging, and so cial networking; rational software to support software development for IT and embedded systems; business intelligence software, which provides querying and forecasting tools; SPSS predictive analytics software to predict outcomes and act on that insight; and operating systems software. Its Systems and Technology segment provides computing and storage solutions, including servers, disk and tape storage systems and software, point-of-sale retail systems, and microelectronics. The company?s Global Financing segment provides lease and loan financing to end users and internal clients; commercial financing to dealers and remarketers of IT products; and remanufacturing and remarketing services. It serves financial services, public, industrial, distribution, communications, and general business sectors. The company was formerly known as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. and changed its name to International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. IBM was founded in 1910 and is based in Armonk, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Will Ashworth]
Watson the supercomputer is getting its own home in New York City. IBM (IBM) announced on Jan. 9 that it�� creating a separate business unit for the computing system best known for defeating 74-time Jeopardy winner Ken Jennings in 2011.
[By Tom Reese]
According to a Financial Times report on Friday, I.T. giant International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) is considering selling its chip-making division.

Reportedly, the company isn’t dead set on selling the unit, but it is in early exploratory stages. This news comes on the heels of IBM’s decision to sell its low-end server business to Lenovo. The report also indicates IBM has hired Goldman Sachs to advise the firm on a potential deal.

Potential Buyers at Home and Abroad
It’ll be Goldman’s job to come up with a valuation of the semiconductor unit and negotiate with potential suitors. Analysts see a number of possible fits, including Intel Corp (INTC) (USA), Samsung (Korea), Taiwan Semi (Taiwan), and GlobalFoundries (USA). IBM is reportedly also open to a non-sale partnership for the unit, or other ways to extract value from the business. Regardless of the deal structure, it’s likely that IBM would look to retain the rights to access the latest chips.

IBM’s Share Price Performance
IBM shares rose $1.35, or 0.8%, in pre-market trading Friday. The stock has fallen nearly 7% year-to-date, driven mainly by its disappointing Q4 earnings results, which were delivered last month.
[By Monica Gerson]
International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM) reported downbeat third-quarter revenue. IBM shares declined 6.19% to $175.17 in the after-hours trading session.
[By Dan Caplinger]
Still, those results haven't changed GE's general strategic plan as it strengthens its reach into various industrial sectors. Its vision of what it calls the "industrial Internet" put it on a collision course with IBM (NYSE: IBM ) , whose Big Data initiative has similar goals of providing interconnections across networks of equipment to provide information that companies can use to cut costs and monitor operations. IBM has used its technology expertise to attract interest from clients and bolster its high-margin earnings growth, but GE has a closer connection to the actual equipment that will provide data to users. General Electric has also continued to become a bigger player in energy, combining its renewable-energy expertise with its recent purchase of Lufkin Industries to add traditional oil and gas services to its portfolio of offerings to customers.

Hot Blue Chip Companies For 2014: Chevron Corporation(CVX)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide. It operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment involves in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as holds interest in a gas-to-liquids project. The Downstream segment engages in the refining of crude oil into petroleum products; marketing of crude oil and refined products primarily under the Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex brand names; transportation of crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacture and marketing of commodity petrochemicals, plastics for industrial uses, and fuel and lubricant additives. It a lso produces and markets coal and molybdenum; and holds interests in 13 power assets with a total operating capacity of approximately 3,100 megawatts, as well as involves in cash management and debt financing activities, insurance operations, real estate activities, energy services, and alternative fuels and technology business. Chevron Corporation has a joint venture agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corp. and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in May 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is based in San Ramon, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Matt Thalman]
Another top stock today was Chevron (NYSE: CVX ) , which saw its shares rise 1.09%. One likely catalyst for the rise was the recent Morgan Stanley report that claimed Chevron would outperform its fellow Dow component and competitor ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM ) by 55% over the next few years. Morgan Stanley believes Chevron could experience higher production growth and realize better returns in the coming years. The firm also raised Chevron's price target to $135 per share, while reducing Exxon's to $85 per share. �
[By John Kell]
Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Friday’s session are Amazon.com Inc.(AMZN), Chevron Corp.(CVX) and MasterCard Inc.(MA)

Monday, March 24, 2014

Top Internet Stocks To Buy Right Now

CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE:CTL) could begin to blunt their revenue decline, driven by mid-single digit revenue growth in strategic revenues, representing 49 percent of CTL's mix.�

Strategic services include Private Line, Broadband, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Managed Hosting, Colocation, Ethernet, Video, VOIP, and Wireless (which is an agency agreement to market Verizon-branded services).

Like all of the rural local exchange carriers (RLECs), CenturyLink's strategic services initiatives are intended to offset the decline of its high-margin voice and internet services. Within its strategic products, CenturyLink is focusing on broadband, PrismTV, fiber to the tower (FTTT) and managed hosting/cloud services

[Related -The Telecommunications Services Sector Untethered And Poised To Grow]

Top Internet Stocks To Buy Right Now: Google Inc.(GOOG)

Google Inc. maintains an index of Web sites and other online content for users, advertisers, and Google network members and other content providers. It offers AdWords, an auction-based advertising program; AdSense program, which enables Web sites that are part of the Google Network to deliver ads from its AdWords advertisers; Google Display, a display advertising network that comprises the videos, text, images, and other interactive ads; DoubleClick Ad Exchange, a real-time auction marketplace for the trading of display ad space; and YouTube that provides video, interactive, and other ad formats for advertisers. The company also provides Google Mobile that optimizes Google?s applications for mobile devices in browser and downloadable form; and enables advertisers to run search ad campaigns on mobile devices, as well as Google Local that provides local information on the Web; and Google Boost for small businesses to participate in the ads auction. In addition, it offers And roid, an open source mobile software platform; Google Chrome OS, an open source operating system; Google Chrome, a Web browser; Google TV, a platform for the consumers to use the television and the Internet on a single screen; and Google Books platform to discover, search, and consume content from printed books online. Further, the company provides Google Apps, a cloud computing suite of message and collaboration tools, which includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Sites; Google Search Appliance that offers real-time search of business and intranet applications, and public Web sites; Google Site Search, a custom search engine; Google Commerce Search for online retail enterprises; Google Checkout to make online shopping and payments streamlined and secure; Google Maps Application Programming Interface; and Google Earth Enterprise, a firewall software solution for imagery and data visualization. Google Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Chris Neiger]
It appears that Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) is siding with Apple's strategy. The company will spend $500 million to market its forthcoming mid-range to high-end Moto X�phone -- more than Apple or Samsung's entire mobile marketing budget. Some think Google's launching the phone to set a high standard for phones using Android mobile operating system, but with a budget like that, it's more likely the company is getting serious about its role in the smartphone device segment.�
[By Alex Planes]
After the turn of the century, Motorola briefly revived the flip style with the enormously popular RAZR line, which sold an estimated 130 million units during its production run. This total can't compete with that of the simple-but-functional pre-smartphone Nokia 1110, a low-cost mini-brick released in 2005 that claims more than 250 million unit sales. In the end, a fast-changing industry left Motorola in the dust, and it was acquired by Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) for little more than the sum of its patent parts in 2011.

Top Internet Stocks To Buy Right Now: IAC/InterActiveCorp (IACI)

IAC/InterActiveCorp engages in the Internet business in the United States and internationally. The company�s Search segment develops, markets, and distributes various downloadable toolbars; provides search, reference, and content services through its destination search and other Websites, including Ask.com and Dictionary.com; and aggregates and integrates local advertising and content for distribution to publishers on Web and mobile platforms, as well as markets and distributes mobile applications through which it provides search and additional services. Its Match segment offers subscription-based and advertiser-supported online personals services through its Websites comprising Match.com, Chemistry.com, OurTime.com, BlackPeopleMeet.com, and OkCupid.com, as well as through mobile applications and Meetic-branded Websites. The company�s ServiceMagic segment offers Market Match service that matches consumers with service professionals; Exact Match service, which enables con sumers to review service professional profiles and select the service professional that meets their specific needs; and 1800Contractor.com, an online directory of service professionals. This segment also offers Website design and hosting services. Its Media and Other segment operates CollegeHumor.com, an online entertainment Website that targets young males; Vimeo, a Website on which users can upload, share, and view video; and Pronto.com, a comparison search engine. This segment also engages in the creation of video content for various distribution platforms; and operates as an Internet retailer of footwear and related apparel and accessories, as well as focuses on multimedia business. The company was formerly known as InterActiveCorp and changed its name to IAC/InterActiveCorp in July 2004. IAC/InterActiveCorp was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Chris Isidore]
Newsweek, the news magazine whose print version was abandoned late last year, was sold in August by IAC (IACI) to another all-digital news company, IBT Media.
[By Monica Gerson]
IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI) shares fell 14.51% to $49.50 in the pre-market trading after the company reported downbeat Q3 revenue.

Posted-In: PreMarket LosersNews Movers & Shakers Pre-Market Outlook Markets
[By John Kell]
IAC/InterActiveCorp(IACI). said its fourth-quarter earnings jumped 89% as the Internet firm managed to offset a decline in search and media revenue with cost cutting. Revenue missed estimates, sending shares down 5.6% to $65 in light premarket trading.

5 Best Biotech Stocks For 2014: Yahoo! Inc.(YHOO)

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

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Paul Ausick]
After five years at the top of the heap, Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG)�has relinquished its top spot in comScore Inc.�� (NASDAQ: SCOR) ranking of the top 50 U.S. Web properties. The new leader is Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) in what can only be called a stunning upset.

Top Internet Stocks To Buy Right Now: Symantec Corporation(SYMC)

Symantec Corporation provides security, storage, and systems management solutions internationally. The company?s Consumer segment delivers Internet security, PC tune-up, and online backup solutions and services to individual users and home offices. Its Security and Compliance segment provides solutions for endpoint security and management, compliance, messaging management, data loss prevention, encryption, and authentication services to large, medium, and small-sized businesses, as well as offers solutions through its software-as-a-service (SaaS) security offerings. This segment?s products enable customers to secure, provision, and remotely manage their laptops, PCs, mobile devices, and servers. The company?s Storage and Server Management segment provides storage and server management, backup, archiving, and data protection solutions across heterogeneous storage and server platforms, as well as solutions delivered through its SaaS offerings to large, medium, and small-s ized businesses. Symantec?s Services segment offers implementation services and solutions, including consulting, business critical services, education, and managed security services. The company also provides various enterprise support offerings, such as annual maintenance support contracts, including content, upgrades, and technical support. It sells its products through its eCommerce platform, as well as through distributors, direct marketers, Internet-based resellers, system builders, ISPs, and retail locations worldwide. Symantec markets and sells its products through distributors, retailers, direct marketers, Internet-based resellers, original equipment manufacturers, system builders, and Internet service providers; and its e-commerce channels, as well as direct sales force, value-added and large account resellers, and system integrators. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Michael Flannelly]
Nomura Securities analysts initiated coverage on Symantec Corporation (SYMC) early on Wednesday, giving the stock a “Neutral” rating because its upside is already priced into its current valuation.

The analysts see shares of SYMC reaching $29, which suggests a 14.6% upside to the stock’s Tuesday closing price of $25.30.

Nomura Securities analyst Frederick Grieb commented, “In the early innings of a classic turnaround story, but upside largely priced In. We initiate coverage of Symantec (SYMC) with a Neutral rating and a 12-month target price of $29. Symantec is a leading vender in the security and storage markets, but has struggled to grow market share post its 2005 acquisition of VERITAS. The company has faced competitive pressures in its core markets, with ‘freemium’ antivirus software pressuring the consumer business, while the storage business has been challenged by enterprise migration to Windows and Linux from Solaris and UNIX. Despite these headwinds, we are launching coverage of Symantec with a Neutral rating, as we believe management will be able to improve the business by increasing margins (perhaps to +33%) and longer-term organic growth through a combination of simplifying management structures and a better strategy to incentivize the sales force. However, given the stock�� 33% increase YTD, due in part to multiple expansion (P/E up 18% YTD), we believe much of the upside from this turnaround is already baked in. FY14E EPS starts at $1.2; FY15E EPS starts at $2.18.”

Symantec Corp shares were inactive during pre-market trading on Wednesday. The stock is up 34.43% year-to-date.
[By Vanina Egea] and earnings growth (which came in better than expected on the last reported quarter), profit margins and other profitability ratios.

Additionally, I will evaluate which institutional investors bought the stock in the recent quarters (institutional backup can tell a lot about a stock), and the initiatives that the company is putting in motion in order to ameliorate its sales and margins.

Earnings

The first step is analyzing Symantec Corp�� earnings growth. I am looking for companies that are able to expand both their quarterly and annual earnings by more than 15% a year. Last quarter the company generated 13% quarterly EPS growth when compared to the same quarter last year. Thus, I am not encouraged by SYMC�� numbers. Past growth winners (Apple, Baidu, etc.) generated consistent quarterly EPS growth above 15% and I am certainly looking for that level before investing.

In addition, SYMC generated three-year average annual EPS growth of 10%. This is an important metric to follow in growth stocks because it highlights how well the stock grew in the past years. I like to invest in companies that are growing consistently.

Revenue

Let's take a look at SYMC麓s revenue growth. This is a key metric that needs to be analyzed before investing in a company, as it is one of the scarce figures that cannot be modified through accounting tricks and similar dodges.

The company reported a 5% quarterly revenue drop year over year. On the contrary, I look for companies that generate more than 15% in quarterly growth.

When betting on a company, an investor wants to see sales grow or improve over time ��nd not just in the last reported quarter. Looking at the company�� financials in comparison to previous years will give participants a much better idea of how well a company is doing. Symantec Corp generated a three-year average annual sales growth rate of 4%.

A New Strategic Plan

Accepting the problems in its
[By Shauna O'Brien]
On Thursday, Morgan Stanley reported that it has downgraded security and storage management company Symantec Corporation (SYMC).

Morgan Stanley has cut its rating on SYMC to an “Equal Weight.” Analysts believe that the company lacks near term catalysts.

Symantec shares were down 55 cents, or 2.18%, during pre-market trading Thursday. The stock is up 34% YTD.

Top Internet Stocks To Buy Right Now: eBay Inc.(EBAY)

eBay Inc. provides online platforms, services, and tools to help individuals and merchants in online and mobile commerce and payments in the United States and internationally. Its Marketplaces segment operates ecommerce platform eBay.com; vertical shopping sites, such as StubHub, Fashion, Motors, and Half.com; and classifieds Websites, including Den Bl�Avis, BilBasen, Gumtree, Kijiji, LoQUo, Marktplaats.nl, mobile.de, Alamaula, Rent.com, eBay Anuncios, eBay Kleinanzeigen, and eBay Annunci, as well as provides advertising services. The company?s Payments segment offers payment and settlement services for consumers and merchants on and off eBay Websites and other merchant Websites. This segment operates PayPal, which enables individuals and businesses to send and receive payments online and through mobile devices; Bill Me Later that enables the United States merchants to offer, the United States consumers to obtain, credit at the point of sale for ecommerce and mobile tra nsactions; Zong, which allows users with mobile phones to purchase digital goods and have the transactions charged to their phone bill; and BillSAFE that enables customers pay for purchases upon receipt of an invoice. Its GSI segment offers an ecommerce services suite for enterprise clients that operate in general merchandise categories, including apparel, sporting goods, toys and baby, health and beauty, and home; and marketing services comprising full-service digital agency, enterprise email marketing, mobile advertising, affiliate marketing, advertisement retargeting, and in-depth analytics services. The company also offers X.commerce platform that provides software developers access to the company?s applications programming interfaces to develop functionality for various merchants; and Magento Connect, which allows developers to market and sell add-on functionality and solutions to merchants that use a Magento storefront. eBay Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquarter ed in San Jose, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Steve Heller]
By the end of the year, eBay's (NASDAQ: EBAY ) PayPal will be accepted in more than 2 million retailers across the U.S., giving it a unique opportunity to enter the offline-payments business. But before PayPal can become the dominant player it hopes to be, there are a number of challenges it must address. In this video, Fool contributor Steve Heller discusses PayPal's most obvious challenge and how it should overcome it.
[By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]
Ebay is an established company that has made a name for itself pioneering internet commerce. After a week full of disses from new eBay investor Carl Icahn, board member Marc Andreessen has come forward to defend himself in an interview with the Wall Street Journal after letting CEO John Donahoe and founder Pierre Omidyar do it for him. The stock has moved higher in recent years, but is currently pulling back. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenues have been rising, which has left investors pleased. Relative to its peers and sector, eBay has been a relative year-to-date performance leader. Look for Ebay to OUTPERFORM.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Tesla Verses the Sopranos and More Electric Vehicle News (TSLA, KNDI, HPTG & GACR)

There is a steady stream of recent electric vehicle sector or related stock news from the likes of Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Kandi Technologies Group Inc (NASDAQ: KNDI), HydroPhi Technologies Group, Inc (OTCMKTS: HPTG) and Green Automotive Co (OTCMKTS: GACR) that you might want to be paying attention to:

Tesla Vs. Car Dealers. In an effort to protect traditional car dealers and the sales tax revenue they generate, New Jersey is banning Tesla stores selling Tesla cars directly to consumers (Arizona and Texas also ban the direct sale of vehicles from manufacturers to consumers) plus the company is battling a bill in Ohio that would also force it to go through franchise dealers in that state. Various media outlets like WIRED (New Jersey Bans Tesla to Ensure Buying a Car Will Always Suck), the Wall Street Journal (Tesla to Stop Selling Electric Cars in New Jersey and Tesla Beware: What Happened to the Last Guy Who Annoyed Car Dealers) and Yahoo! Finance (New Jersey's Tesla ban makes sense compared to these silly laws) all have had good articles covering the controversy. However, such bans are more or less a mote issue as customers who really want Teslas can easily circumvent rules by purchasing vehicles online and taking delivery in other locations. Moreover, the controversy has had little impact on Tesla shares which are flat this week and up 56% since the start of the year, up 518.1% over the past year and up 1,138.5% since July 2010.

Kandi Technologies Falls Steadily After Reaching an All Time High. One week ago, small cap Kandi Technologies Group, which makes specialized electric vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles, hit an all time high in early morning trading only to close down 3.02% at the end of the day. Kandi Technologies Group's shares are now down 8.6% over the past five trading days, but they are still up 47.6% since the start of the year, up 352.3% over the past year and up 2,848.8% over the past five years.

Problems Faced by Chinese Electric Vehicle Buyers. The South China Morning Post has a lengthy article on the problems faced by those who buy electric vehicles from Tesla, Kandi Technologies Group and other electric vehicle makers. Most electric cars on sale in China are capable of sustaining a travel distance of between 80 and 300 kilometers, but there are only a small number of public charging stations designed for private car users – meaning their range is limited to around 100 kilometers or 63 miles from home. For that reason, less than one out of a thousand prospective owners in Beijing is opting for an electric car while Shanghai, one of the many pilot cities promoting electric cars and home to 14 million permanent residents, has only 400 residents this year to apply for plates with electric car subsidies.

EU Bureaucrats Want to Add a Fake "Vrom." An Irish newspaper has reported that the European Commission plans to make manufacturers install Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) on all new vehicles amid concerns they pose a risk to vulnerable road users because the cars are effectively silent, especially at low speeds. The AVAS would add a fake "vroom" to make them safer for pedestrians, cyclists and the visually impaired.

HydroPhi Technologies Group Expands Bus Field Testing. Small cap HydroPhi Technologies Group, a leading developer of water-based hydrogen fuel production systems which utilizes ordinary water for the production of hydrogen that is then injected into carbon-based fuels such as diesel, unleaded gasoline and natural gas, has recently announced the expansion of transit bus field testing of the HydroPhi system to Guadalajara, Mexico. That city will represent the second large metropolitan area where the HydroPlant technology will be tested for public transportation and that city alone represents an addressable market of at least 2,500 transit buses. Back in January, HydroPhi Technologies Group had announced that Rutas Unidas Federación de Transportistas Independientes de México, the largest association of bus operators based in Mexico City, had reported consistent fuel savings in excess of 20% on buses equipped with the company's Hydroplant technology. Moreover, HydroPhi Technologies Group is in discussions with large fleet operators in selected markets in Latin America and Asia thanks to its product providing significant environmental benefits, fuel savings and high return-on-investment for fleet operators. HydroPhi Technologies Group's shares are up 14.3% since the start of the year.

Green Automotive Co. Makes an Acquisition. Small cap Green Automotive Company, a state-of-the-art niche vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing and sales company based in Riverside California, recently announced that it had signed a binding agreement to acquire privately owned Transhock Ltd., a well established re-manufacturer and distributor of vehicle parts and accessories based in the UK's West Midlands, the heart of the UK Automotive Industry. Transhock Ltd reported around $7 million+ in revenues revenues for the year ended March 31, 2013 (to UK GAAP), was both profitable and cashflow positive, has over 50 employees, operates to ISO 9001 standards and has a diversified customer base of over 2,500 clients from which repeat business represents 85-90% of sales. It should also be mentioned that the Green Automotive Company's Californian subsidiary Newport Coachworks had recently reported that it was one of the major exhibitors at the recent LCT Show, one of the largest shuttle and charter events, where the company presented its shuttle bus range on a 2500 sq. ft. exhibition space. More than 450 bus operators from the US, Canada, France and a number of other regions visited the company's stand plus GACR took in orders worth over $1.6 million, selling 9 Patriot models (a 19 to 23 seat shuttle bus), 3 Freedom 45 models (the company's biggest bus) and 2 up-market Limo model buses.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Stocks: Set to close week with a gain

Click on chart to track premarkets

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) This week saw tweaks to Federal Reserve policy, rising tensions between the West and Russia and continued concerns about slowing growth in China.

But for the most part, markets kept pushing higher. As it stands now, the major U.S. indexes look set to close out the week with a healthy gain.

U.S. stock futures were edging up Friday, with investors feeling relatively calm after a Fed freak out in the middle of the week.

Stocks could be volatile Friday as it's also the day when four futures and options contracts expire -- known as quadruple witching.

"That's the main driver of the day," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital. "There is really no economic news out there other than the fact that there was some good news out there last night on the [Federal Reserve's] stress test: 29 of the 30 big banks passed."

Markets were rattled Wednesday after Fed chair Janet Yellen suggested that the central bank could begin hiking interest rates sooner than expected. But stocks have climbed every other day this week.

The latest reading on the CNNMoney Fear & Greed index shows markets are getting greedy again.

But the mood isn't quite so perky in Russia, where the stock market and ruble are under pressure after the U.S. announced sanctions against more high-ranking Russian individuals and a bank. Western nations are trying to put pressure on Russia after it annexed Crimea, a region in southern Ukraine.

There's little U.S. economic or corporate news on the docket Friday. Before the bell, Tiffany (TIF) reported full-year earnings and sales that fell short of forecasts.

Shares of Nike (NKE, Fortune 500) slid 3% after the company said earnings could be squeezed over the ! next few quarters.

Shares of Symantec (SYMC, Fortune 500) plunged after the company fired its CEO.

European markets were all rising in morning trading.

Asian markets mostly closed with gains. The main stock market indexes in Hong Kong and China pushed higher.

The Nikkei in Japan was closed for the Vernal Equinox.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Best Clean Energy Companies To Watch In Right Now

Best Clean Energy Companies To Watch In Right Now: Kabel Deutschland Holding AG (KD8)

Kabel Deutschland Holding AG is a Germany-based holding company and cable network operator. Through its operating entitities, the primarily being Kabel Deutschland Kundenbetreuung GmbH and Kabel Deutschland Vertrieb und Service GmbH, the Company provides analogue and digital television, broad band Internet and cable-based telecommunication services throughout Germany. The Company's activities are divided into two business segments: TV Business, the Company's dominant segment which includes cable-based television products such as analogue and digital cable television and radio, as well as digital pay-TV and related products. The second segment, Internet and Phone, offers broadband Internet access, fixed-line and mobile phone services, mobile data services, as well as additional options to those homes which can be connected to the Company's upgraded network. In October 2013, Vodafone Vierte Verwaltungs AG, a subsidiary of Vodafone Group PLC, acquired 76.57% interest in the Comp any. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Sarah Jones]
Kabel Deutschland (KD8) jumped 8.2 percent to 80.84 euros, for the biggest advance on the Stoxx 600, after Vodafone, the world's second-largest wireless carrier, confirmed it discussed acquiring the German cable operator to expand in the broadband and TV market.
[By Amy Thomson]
Vodafone has already expanded beyond wireless service, and in June beat John Malone's Liberty Global (LBTYA) Plc to take over Germany's Kabel Deutschland Holding AG. (KD8) Vodafone and Verizon accelerated talks on the stake sale after the Kabel Deutschland offer, which put additional pressure on the British company's finances, a person familiar with the matter said.
[By Alex Webb]
Vodafone Group Plc (VOD)'s 7.7 billion-euro ($10.2 billio! n) bid for Kabel Deutschland Holding AG (KD8) cleared a major hurdle by winning the backing of at least 75 percent of the German company's shareholders.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-clean-energy-companies-to-watch-in-right-now.html

Thursday, March 20, 2014

2 Chinese Stocks Rising on Big Volume

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- Professional traders running mutual funds and hedge funds don't just look at a stock's price moves; they also track big changes in volume activity. Often when above-average volume moves into an equity, it precedes a large spike in volatility.

>>5 Stocks Insiders Love Right Now

Major moves in volume can signal unusual activity, such as insider buying or selling -- or buying or selling by "superinvestors."

Unusual volume can also be a major signal that hedge funds and momentum traders are piling into a stock ahead of a catalyst. These types of traders like to get in well before a large spike, so it's always a smart move to monitor unusual volume. That said, remember to combine trend and price action with unusual volume. Put them all together to help you decipher the next big trend for any stock.

>>Hedge Funds Are Selling These 5 Stocks -- Should You?

With that in mind, let's take a look at several stocks rising on unusual volume recently.

21Vianet Group

21Vianet Group (VNET) provides carrier-neutral Internet data center services in the People's Republic of China. This stock closed up 2.5% at $31.55 in Wednesday's trading session.

Wednesday's Volume: 2.41 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 853,687

Volume % Change: 206%

>>5 Stocks Set to Soar on Bullish Earnings

From a technical perspective, VNET jumped higher here and traded into new all-time-high territory with monster upside volume. This stock has been on fire uptrending strong for the last three months and change, with shares moving higher from its low of $16.27 to its intraday high of $32.19. During that uptrend, shares of VENT have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in VNET as long as it's trending above some near-term support at $29 and then once it sustains a move or close above Wednesday's high of $32.19 with volume that hits near or above 853,687 shares. If we get that move soon, then VNET will set up to enter new all-time-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $35 to $40.

Kongzhong

Kongzhong (KONG) provides digital entertainment services in the People's Republic of China. This stock closed up 5.2% to $11.08 in Wednesday's trading session.

Wednesday's Volume: 1.47 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 268,710

Volume % Change: 414%

>>5 Rocket Stocks Worth Buying This Week

From a technical perspective, KONG jumped higher here and broke out above some near-term overhead resistance at $10.60 with heavy upside volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last month and change, with shares moving higher from its low of $7.51 to its intraday high of $11.57. During that move, shares of KONG have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in KONG as long as it's trending above Wednesday's low of $10.47 or above more support at $10 and then once it sustains a move or close above Wednesday's high of $11.57 with volume that hits near or above 268,710 shares. If we get that move soon, then KONG will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $13.64 to its 52-week high at $14.92.

To see more stocks rising on unusual volume, check out the Stocks Rising on Unusual Volume portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

Top Growth Companies To Own In Right Now

Top Growth Companies To Own In Right Now: Intuitive Surgical Inc.(ISRG)

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets da Vinci surgical systems for various surgical procedures, including urologic, gynecologic, cardiothoracic, general, and head and neck surgeries. Its da Vinci surgical system consists of a surgeon?s console or consoles, a patient-side cart, a 3-D vision system, and proprietary ?wristed? instruments. The company?s da Vinci surgical system translates the surgeon?s natural hand movements on instrument controls at the console into corresponding micro-movements of instruments positioned inside the patient through small puncture incisions, or ports. It also manufactures a range of EndoWrist instruments, which incorporate wrist joints for natural dexterity for various surgical procedures. Its EndoWrist instruments consist of forceps, scissors, electrocautery, scalpels, and other surgical tools. In addition, it sells various vision and accessory products for use in conjunction with the da Vinci Surgical System as surgical procedures are performed. The company?s accessory products include sterile drapes used to ensure a sterile field during surgery; vision products, such as replacement 3-D stereo endoscopes, camera heads, light guides, and other items. It markets its products through sales representatives in the United States, and through sales representatives and distributors in international markets. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By James Brumley]
How so? In November, Smith & Nephew unveiled a biocomposite material for use in arthroscopic surgeries — the Healicoil suture anchor — and just last week the company announced encouraging results from a third-party study of its negative-pressure wound therapy system used on closed surgical incisions. It sounds minor, b! ut that technology could open a big door for Smith & Nephew as well as SNN stock owners.
Medical Devices: Intuitive Surgical (ISRG)
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) shares took a big hit late last week following its fourth-quarter numbers, but bear in mind that ISRG stock had been through an overheated run-up in the days before that. Even with Friday’s 6% selloff, Intuitive Surgical shares are up 7% year-to-date — a paradigm shift compared to 2013′s 21% slide.
[By John Kell]
Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Friday’s session are Intuitive Surgical Inc.(ISRG), Juniper Networks Inc.(JNPR) and Microsoft Corp.(MSFT)
[By Wallace Witkowski]
Intuitive Surgical Inc. (ISRG) is expected to report adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of $3.82 a share on revenue of $558 million.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-growth-companies-to-own-in-right-now.html

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Housing Starts Fall, But Permits Rebound

Top Safest Stocks For 2014

Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images Housing starts in the U.S. were little changed in February after declining less than previously estimated a month earlier, indicating the home-building industry is stabilizing after bad winter weather curbed construction. The 0.2 percent decrease to 907,000 homes at an annualized rate last month followed a revised 909,000 pace in January, figures from the Commerce Department in Washington showed Tuesday. The median estimate in a Bloomberg survey called for a 910,000 rate after a previously reported 880,000 in January. Warmer temperatures, a pickup in demand during the spring selling season and limited housing supply may help fuel further gains in new residential construction. The outlook for the industry later this year depends on whether hiring picks up enough to overcome higher mortgage rates and home prices. "We will see improvement as the year goes on and weather improves," said David Sloan, a senior economist at 4cast in New York and the top-ranked forecaster of starts in the last two years, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. "The pace of increase will be fairly moderate. It suggests we're going to get respectable economic growth, but maybe not a strong acceleration." Estimates of 82 economists surveyed by Bloomberg ranged from 792,000 to 986,000. The February pace was the slowest in four months. Another report showed consumer prices rose 0.1 percent in February for a second month, according to the Labor Department. More than half the increase was due to higher food costs. Stock-index futures held earlier gains after the figures, with the contract on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index maturing in June rising 0.4 percent to 1,857.4 at 8:43 a.m. in New York. Building Permits Permits filed for future projects increased 7.7 percent to a 1.02 million pace in February, the most since October and reflecting a surge in applications for apartment-building construction. One-family home-building permits dropped for a third straight month to the lowest level in a year. The median forecast in the Bloomberg survey called for a 960,000 rate. Work on single-family houses rose 0.3 percent to a 583,000 rate in February from 581,000 the prior month. Construction of multifamily projects such as condominiums and apartment buildings decreased 1.2 percent to an annual rate of 324,000. Two of four regions showed increases in groundbreaking last month, led by the Midwest and South. February ended with its coldest final week since 2003, according to Berwyn, Pennsylvania-based weather data provider Planaytics Inc., The second week of the month was the snowiest such period since 2007. Winter Weather Inclement weather has extended beyond builders. It also kept customers from visiting car dealerships and retailers, weighing on sentiment. The University of Michigan's measure of U.S. consumer confidence declined to a four-month low in March, data last week showed. Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rose less than forecast in March, with more builders reporting bad conditions than good. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo index of builder sentiment climbed to 47 this month from 46 in February, a report from the Washington-based group showed yesterday. Readings below 50 mean more survey respondents signaled poor market conditions. Beyond weather, borrowing costs have increased for buyers. The rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage from Freddie Mac rose to 4.37 percent in the week ended March 13, up from 3.63 percent a year earlier. Homebuilder Hovnanian Enterprises (HOV), which reported a wider loss for its fiscal first quarter as inclement weather extended construction times and slowed demand, sees better times ahead for the industry. 'Temporary Pause' "We believe this is a temporary pause in the industry's recovery," Ara Hovnanian, chief executive officer New Jersey's largest homebuilder, said in a statement on March 5. "Based on the level of housing starts across the country, we continue to believe the homebuilding industry is still in the early stages of recovery." Lean inventories will probably keep builders busy. A report from the Commerce Department last month showed the months' supply of new homes declined to 4.7 in January, the fewest since June, from 5.2 at the end of 2013. Lowe's (LOW), the Mooresville, N.C.-based home-improvement retailer, also remains optimistic about the outlook for the housing industry.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Hot High Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now

Hot High Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Genesco Inc. (GCO)

Genesco Inc. engages in the retail and wholesale of footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company operates in five segments: Journeys Group, Schuh Group, Lids Sports Group, Johnston & Murphy Group, and Licensed Brands. The Journeys Group segment operates the Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, and Underground by Journeys retail stores that provide footwear and accessories for men, women, and younger children. It also sells footwear and accessories through direct-to-consumer catalog and e-commerce operations. The Schuh Group segment operates Schuh retail footwear stores, which offer casual and athletic footwear for 15 to 30 year old men and women, as well as engages in the e-commerce operations. The Lids Sports Group segment operates headwear and accessory stores under the Lids, Hat World, and Hat Shack banners; sports-oriented fan shops that offer licensed merchandise, such as apparel, hats and accessories, sports decor, and novelty products under the Lids Locker R oom, Sports Fan-Attic, and Sports Avenue banners; and as a Lids Team Sports athletic team dealer, as well as in e-commerce operations. The Johnston & Murphy Group segment is involved in Johnston and Murphy retail, catalog and e-commerce, and wholesale distribution operations. Its stores provide footwear, luggage, and accessories for business and professional customers. The Licensed Brands segment markets casual and dress footwear under the Dockers brand for men aged 30 to 55. As of May 31, 2013, the company operated 2,455 retail stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland. The company also sells its products through journeys.com, journeyskidz.com, shibyjourneys.com, undergroundbyjourneys.com, schuh.co.uk, and johnstonmurphy.com. Genesco Inc. was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

Advisors' Opin! ion:

[By Reuters]
Steven Senne/AP BOSTON -- Companies that help Target process payments could face millions of dollars in fines and costs resulting from the unprecedented data breach that struck the retailer during the holiday shopping season. Investigators are still sorting through just how thieves compromised about 40 million payment cards and the information of about 70 million Target (TGT) customers. But people who have reviewed past data breaches believe Target's partners could face consumer lawsuits and fines that payment networks such as Visa (V) and MasterCard (MA) often levy after cybersecurity incidents. Target's partners "have deep pockets and are intimately involved in certain aspects of how Target gets paid," said Jamie Pole, a cybersecurity consultant in Asheboro, N.C., who works for government agencies and the financial industry. Fines and settlement costs could reach into the millions of dollars for individual companies, he said, though much will depend on how the ultimate liability for the breach is determined. Boston attorney Cynthia Larose of Mintz Levin said Target would likely seek to add its partners as defendants to lawsuits already filed over the breach. "These class-action lawsuits start to bring everyone in at some point," she said. After its systems were penetrated by hackers in the mid-2000s, retailer TJX Cos. (TJX) agreed to pay up to $40.9 million to cover fraud costs in a settlement with Visa. Visa also issued penalties of $880,000 against Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) of Ohio, which processed transactions for TJX. Asked about the business relationships and possible costs, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation and pending suits. A Visa spokeswoman declined to comment. A MasterCard spokesman said the company couldn't discuss an ongoing investigation. Handling Target Transactions Several companies are involved in any purchase from a store such as Target. A bank issues the consumer's payment car! d

[By Eric Volkman]

Genesco (NYSE: GCO ) results for the company's fiscal Q1 2014 have been released. For the quarter, net sales came in at $591 million, a drop of 1.5% from the $600 million in the same period the previous year. Net profit also saw a slip, to $18.4 million ($0.77 per diluted share) from Q1 2013's figure of $20.6 million ($0.85). On an adjusted basis, those numbers were $22.2 million ($0.94 per diluted share) and $23.8 ($0.98), respectively.

[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 Genesco (NYSE: GCO ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-high-dividend-stocks-to-buy-right-now.html

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Best Oil Stocks To Buy For 2014

Best Oil Stocks To Buy For 2014: Frontline Ltd (FRO)

Frontline Ltd., incorporated on June 12, 1992, is a shipping company. The Company is engaged primarily in the ownership and operation of oil tankers and oil/bulk/ore (OBO) carriers. The Company operates tankers of two sizes: very large crude carriers (VLCCs), which are between 200,000 and 320,000 deadweight tons, and Suezmax tankers, which are vessels between 120,000 and 170,000 deadweight tons. As of December 31, 2010, its tanker and OBO fleet consisted of 73 vessels. The fleet consists of 44 VLCCs, which are either owned or chartered in, 21 Suezmax tankers, which are either owned or chartered in and eight Suezmax OBOs, which are chartered in. The Company also had five VLCC newbuildings and two Suezmax newbuildings on order and three VLCCs under its commercial management. In February 2010, it purchased the VLCC Front Vista from Ship Finance International Limited (Ship Finance). In January 2011, it sold the VLCC Front Shanghai.

The Company operates through sub sidiaries and partnerships located in the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, India, the Isle of Man, Liberia, Norway, the United Kingdom and Singapore. The Company is also engaged in the charter, purchase and sale of vessels. In April 2010, the Company delivered the single hull Suezmax Front Voyager. During the year ended December 31, 2010, six newbuildings were completed. Four Suezmax vessels were delivered: the Northia, on January 5, 2010; the Naticina, on March 9, 2010; the Front Odin, on May 5, 2010, and the Front Njord on August 12, 2010. Two VLCCs were delivered: the Front Cecilie on June 10 and the Front Signe on August 9, 2010. As of December 31, 2010, the Company's newbuilding program consisted of two Suezmax tankers and five VLCCs.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Karee Venema]
One equity that falls under the small-cap umbrella, and looks poised to benefit f! rom a contrarian boon is shipping concern Frontline Ltd. (FRO).

Shares of Frontline have more than doubled in value since hitting a decade-plus low of $1.71 last May. In fact, the stock tagged a new annual high of $5.18 in early January.
[By Paul Ausick]
Big Earnings Movers: Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE: HPQ) is up 9.1% at $27.37 after beating on both the top and bottom lines last night. 58.com (NYSE: WUBA) is down 10% at $33.56. Frontline Ltd. (NYSE: FRO) is up 16.6% at $2.74.
[By Dan Caplinger]
The reason for the disconnect between earnings and stock performance has to do with the changing fundamentals for shipping overall. For years, shipping companies both on the dry-bulk and the tanker side of the industry have suffered from weakness in the global economy after having built huge numbers of new ships during better times. That forced Overseas Shipholding Group to seek bankruptcy protection late last year and has left tanker giant Frontline (NYSE: FRO ) under considerable financial pressure as it continues to labor under a substantial debt load.
[By Sean Williams]
Frontline (NYSE: FRO )
Shares of Frontline, a transporter of oil and oil products, as well as coal and iron ore, shot higher earlier this week despite no specific news. Many investors might remember Frontline as a company that paid out a double-digit yield as recently as a few years ago. However, the landscape of the shipping sector has drastically changed, and even at just $2 a share it's no longer the value it once was.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-oil-stocks-to-buy-for-2014.html

Friday, March 14, 2014

Hot Biotech Stocks To Buy Right Now

Hot Biotech Stocks To Buy Right Now: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp (TNXP)

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp., incorporated on November 16, 2011, is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel pharmaceutical products for disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The Company develops TNX-102 sublingual tablet, or TNX-102 SL. TNX-102 SL is a novel dose and formulation of cyclobenzaprine (CBP), the active pharmaceutical ingredient of two prescribed muscle relaxant products, Flexeril and Amrix. TNX-102 SL is also intended for chronic use. It develops TNX-102 SL for the treatment of FM under a United States Investigational New Drug application (IND), and under three clinical trial applications (CTAs), filed in Canada. It also develops TNX-102 SL for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As of January 25, 2013, the Company focuses on product development, and had not generated any revenues.

The Company searches for potential therapeutic solutions among known pharmaceutical agents that lack regulato ry approval for the indications it seeks, but may be approved for use in other indications. It seeks to create new dose and formulation options that are tailored to the therapeutic uses to which it applies these agents. TNX-102 SL is a small, rapidly disintegrating tablet containing CBP for sublingual administration at bedtime. The Company designed TNX-102 SL for delivery of CBP to the systemic circulation through sublingual transmucosal absorption and to avoid first-pass liver metabolism.

CBP is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in its lead product candidate, TNX-102 SL. In addition to CBP, TNX-102 SL contains inactive ingredients, called excipients, which are approved for pharmaceutical use. In addition to TNX-102 SL, it develops other formulations of CBP, including TNX-102 promicellar gelatin capsule, or TNX-102 gelcap. It developed TNX-102 g! elcap under an agreement with Lipocine, Inc. (Lipocine), a contract formulation developer and small-scale manufactu rer. In addition it has other pipeline of other product cand! idates, including TNX-201 and TNX-301. TNX-201 is based on isometheptene mucate and is under development as a treatment for certain types of headaches.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By John Kell]
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.(TNXP) is planning to offer some shares to raise money to fund clinical trials and the continued development of the specialty pharmaceutical company’s treatments. Shares edged up 2.1% to $16.75 premarket.
[By John Udovich]
It's a new year and the first one and a half trading weeks of 2014 has not disappointed biotech investors as the sector and mid cap or small cap biotech or pharma stocks like Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ICPT), Epizyme Inc (NASDAQ: EPZM), Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp (NASDAQ: TNXP) and TNI BioTech Inc (OTCQB: TNIB) either surging or producing some news plus there have been IPO filings for future listings for Flexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FLXN), Aldexa Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ALDX), Retrophin (NASDAQ: RTRX) and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: DRNA). Consider the following news so far this year:

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-biotech-stocks-to-buy-right-now-2.html

Thursday, March 13, 2014

The Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. Posts Q4 Net Loss; Misses Estimates (MW)

Today, Men’s Wearhouse (MW) followed up its announcement that it will be buying Jos. A Bank Clothiers (JOSB) with a lackluster fourth quarter earnings report.

Hot Low Price Stocks To Buy For 2014

MW’s Earnings in Brief

Men’s Wearhouse reported fourth quarter sales of $560.6 million, which was down 7.9% from last year’s Q4 figure. The company reported a net loss for the quarter of $17.9 million, or 38 cents per share, worse than last year’s Q4 loss of $4.9 million, or 10 cents per share. Men’s Wearhouse missed analysts’ views of a 13 cent loss per share on revenues of $611.69 million

CEO Commentary

Men’s Wearhouse president and chief executive officer, Doug Ewert, commented: “We were not immune to the effects of weak consumer spending sentiments and severe weather disruption that impacted most retailers in December and January. Tuxedo and corporate apparel sales were in-line with internal expectations, while clothing sales in all three retail chains were lower than expected. Weather-related store closures and an aggressive promotional retail environment resulted in a traffic decline. We estimate that approximately one-quarter of the 2.5% comparable sales decrease in the fourth quarter at Men’s Wearhouse was due to these closures.”

MW’s Dividend

Men’s Wearhouse has not raised its dividend since March of 2012, and it most recently declared a dividend of 18 cents on January 28 to be paid on March 28. The stock has an ex-dividend date of March 14.

Stock Performance

On the news of its purchase of JOSB, Men’s Wearhouse stock ended the day up $2.57, or 4.71%. However, after the company’s earnings came out, the stock was down 55 cents, or 0.96%, in after hours trading.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Hot Food Stocks To Buy For 2014

Hot Food Stocks To Buy For 2014: Fairway Group Holdings Corp (FWM)

Fairway Group Holdings Corp., incorporated on September 29, 2006, operates in the retail food industry, selling fresh, natural and organic products, prepared foods, and specialty and gourmet offerings along with a assortment of conventional groceries. The Company focuses on perishable product categories, which include produce, natural and organic, deli, specialty, cheese, butcher, seafood, bakery, coffee and kosher foods. Its non-perishable product categories consist of conventional groceries, as well as specialty foods. It operates two stores on the West Side of Manhattan, New York. As of September 24, 2012, it operated 11 locations in the Greater New York City metropolitan area, three of which include Fairway Wines & Spirits stores.

The Company's natural and organic product categories include fruits and vegetables, natural and fresh juices, organic OBE beef and organic chicken, fresh organic peanut butter and natural almond butter, fresh roasted coffees an d loose teas, dried fruits and nuts, full assortment of natural and organic groceries, cold cuts and cheeses, breads, supplements (homeopathy, vitamins, herbs), nutritional bars and protein powders, health and beauty aids, dairy, including Fairway-branded organic milk, eggs, including Fairway-branded organic eggs, vegetarian dairy alternatives, frozen foods, e gluten-free selections, baby food and baby care items and cleaning products. It offers a classic New York deli counter. It carries smoked salmon prepared using its own recipe and hand-craft its own fresh mozzarella daily.

The Company's Specialty Imports and Specialty Grocery departments provide shoppers with specialty and gourmet items, such as Lapalisse pure and virgin nut oils; authentic Sicilian foodstuffs; Burgundy's organic La Trinquelinette fruit preserves made in small batches using only unrefined ra! w cane sugar; ready-to-eat vacuum-packed beets from the Loire Valley; L'Herbier de Milly La Foret v erbena, hibiscus, peppermint and linden blossom infusions; L! a Quiberonnaise Vintage Sardines from Brittany, France; Pruneaux d'Agen (stuffed prunes), and Royal Medjool dates, Quercy's soft dried figs and apricots. It carries approximately 115 varieties of specialty olive oil, including numerous imported unfiltered olive oils, and offer all-day, every day tasting of olive oils in each of its stores.

The Company has meat delivered every day and it is cut and packaged at each of its stores within 24 hours of receipt. It also receives daily deliveries of fresh ice-packed chicken. It offers 50 to 80 different selections of fresh fish and seafood in each store every day. It utilizes a combination of on-site and centralized bakeries to produce our baked goods. Its full-service bakery prepares its signature cookies, tarts, cupcakes, baguettes and bagels. It offers over 100 types of artisanal coffee beans sold by the pound, as well as over a dozen varieties of Fair Trade certified and organic coffee.

The Company offe rs an array of kosher options, including Fairway's branded products, its conventional and specialty groceries, its coffee, as well as its baked goods, dairy, organic, gluten-free, imported and frozen items. It offers a variety of cuts of kosher poultry, red meat and seafood. It carries a range of conventional grocery items. Its grocery aisles are stacked high with the national brand names Tide, Bounty, Kleenex, Charmin, Lysol, Poland Spring, Oreo, Cheerios, Lipton, Hershey's, Coke, Green Giant, and many more. In addition, it offers an array of ethnic groceries that cater to each store's local demographic.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Matt Jarzemsky]
The group's worst performer this year is New York City-area grocer Fairway Group Holdings Corp.(FWM), off 58% in 2013. Fairway is also among the farthest from its 52-week high, closing Thursday at $! 7.57 afte! r trading as high as $28.87 in July.
[By Leslie Patton]
Whole Foods is facing increased competition from expanding organic and natural-food sellers including Fairway Group Holdings Corp. (FWM) and Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) The chain has been adding more of its 365 private-label brand items to attract price-conscious shoppers. Sales at stores open at least a year rose 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter, which ended Sept. 29, the slowest growth in 15 quarters.
[By Jason Moser]
You can be forgiven if you've never heard of Fairway Group Holdings (NASDAQ: FWM ) . The company is responsible for Fairway Market, a small chain of high-end grocery stores currently in and around the greater New York City metropolitan area.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-food-stocks-to-buy-for-2014.html

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015

The Consumer Electronics Show begins next week–and it could have a big impact on the shares of Harman International (HAR), as Google (GOOG) and Apple (AAPL) look to make inroads in the auto space.

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

The Wall Street Journal reports on Google and Apple’s plans:

Technology giants�Google�Inc. and�Apple�Inc. are about to expand their battle for digital supremacy to a new front: the automobile.

Next week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Google and German auto maker�Audi�AG plan to announce that they are working together to develop in-car entertainment and information systems that are based on Google’s Android software, people familiar with the matter said.

Baird’s David Leiker and team explain the impact on Harman International:

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Western Digital Corp (WDC)

Western Digital Corporation (WD) is a provider of solutions for the collection, storage, management, protection and use of digital content, including audio and video. Its principal products are hard drives, which are devices that use one or more rotating magnetic disks (magnetic media) to store and allow access to data. Its hard drives are used in desktop and notebook computers, corporate and cloud computing data centers, home entertainment equipment and stand-alone consumer storage devices. In addition to hard drives, its other products include solid-state drives and home entertainment and networking products. The Company operates as the parent company of its hard drive business, Western Digital Technologies, Inc. Effective March 8, 2012, the Company acquired Viviti Technologies Ltd. In May 2012, the Company completed the divestiture of certain 3.5-inch hard drive assets to Toshiba Corporation. As part of its deal with Toshiba, WD also completed its purchase of Toshiba Storage Device (Thailand) Company Limited (TSDT), which manufactured hard drives.

The Company offers a line of storage devices. Its hard drives include 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch form factors, capacities ranging from 80 gigabytes to three terabytes, nominal rotation speeds up to 10,000 revolutions per minute, and interfaces, such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) and Serial Attached SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) (SAS). In addition, the Company offers a family of hard drives specifically designed to consume less power than standard drives, utilizing its WD GreenPower Technology. Its solid-state drives include 2.5-inch and Compact Flash form factors, capacities ranging from 1 gigabyte to 256 gigabytes, and interfaces, such as SATA and PATA.

Client Compute Storage Products

Client compute consists of hard drives and solid-state drives for desktop and mobile personal computers (PC��). During the fiscal year ended July 1, 2011 (fiscal 2011), it shipped 151 million hard drive clie! nt compute unit. Its client compute storage products include WD Caviar, WD Scorpio and WD Silicon Edge. WD Caviar family of hard drives is designed for use in desktop PCs. WD Scorpio family of hard drives is designed for use in mobile PCs. WD Silicon Edge family of solid-state drives is designed for both read-intensive client/consumer applications and write-intensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications.

Client Non-Compute Storage Products

Client non-compute consists of branded products and consumer electronics products. Its hard drive client non-compute unit shipments were 46 million, during fiscal 2011.

Branded Products

Branded products consists of hard drives embedded into WD-branded external storage appliances with capacities ranging from 250 gigabytes to 8 terabytes and using interfaces, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, USB 3.0, external SATA, FireWire and Ethernet network connections. Certain branded products models include software that assists customers with back up, remote access and management of digital content. Branded products also include its home entertainment and networking products. Its branded products include My Book and WD Elements Desktop family of storage appliances. My Passport and WD Elements Portable family of storage appliances include WD ShareSpace, WD TV and WD Livewire.

My Book and WD Elements Desktop family of storage appliances are designed to add external capacity to desktops and digital video recorders (DVRs), allow for the transfer and storage of videos directly from certain camcorders, and connect to networks to simplify storage for consumers. My Passport and WD Elements Portable family of storage appliances are designed for external portability weighing less than one-half of a pound and allow for the transfer and storage of videos directly from certain camcorders. WD ShareSpace is a network-attached storage system designed for home office or small office applications. WD TV m! edia play! ers connect to a user�� television or home theater system and play digital movies, music and photos from an integrated hard drive, network hard drives, any of its WD-branded external hard drives, other USB mass storage devices or content services accessed over the Internet. WD Livewire, which enables consumers to use their existing electrical outlets to extend Internet connections throughout the home.

Consumer Electronics Products

WD AV family of hard drives is designed for use in products, such as DVRs and audio and video applications. WD AV drives deliver the characteristics CE manufacturers.

Enterprise Storage Products

Enterprise consists of hard drives for traditional enterprise and nearline storage applications, as well as solid-state drives for embedded applications. Its hard drive enterprise unit shipments were 10 million, for fiscal 2011. Its enterprise storage products include WD S25 hard drive, WD VelociRaptor, WD RE and WD SiliconDrive. WD S25 hard drive is designed for mission-critical enterprise server and storage applications, such as data centers and data arrays. WD VelociRaptor hard drive is designed for enterprise server and storage applications. This hard drive is also used in the high-end desktop PC market for applications including gaming, servers and advanced computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. WD RE family of hard drives is designed for nearline storage enterprise applications. WD SiliconDrive family of solid-state drives features fast read/write speeds in high capacities and is designed for embedded system OEM applications.

The Company competes with Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Intel Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seagate Technology, STEC, Inc. and Toshiba Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Lisa Levin]
Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) shares rose 2.75% to reach a new 52-week high of $74.43 after the company's board declared a cash dividend of $0.30 per share for the quarter ending Dec. 27, 2013.

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Sensio Technologies Inc (PSN)

SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO) develops and markets stereoscopic technologies for the electronic consumer, digital broadcasting and digital cinema markets. The Company focuses on three dimensional (3D) video, develops and markets stereoscopic (3D) digital compression, decompression, and display-formatting technologies. Its solutions include content creators, games developers, broadcasters, specialty channels and digital cinemas. Its flagship technology, SENSIO 3D, allows distribution of 3D content through conventional two dimensional (2D) broadcast networks (cable, satellite, Internet Protocol) and playback on any 3D display device, as well as home theatre and digital cinema projectors. The Company operates in North America, Europe, Middle East and Oceania. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Inyoung Hwang]
Bovis Homes Group Plc (BVS) climbed 4 percent to 790 pence. Liberum Capital Ltd. raised its rating on the housebuilder to buy from hold. Persimmon Plc (PSN), the U.K.�� largest residential property developer, gained 2.5 percent to 1,255 pence.
[By Sofia Horta e Costa]
Countrywide Plc dropped 4.9 percent as Alchemy Partners LLP sold a 5.9 percent stake in the real estate broker. A gauge of London-listed mining stocks fell 1.7 percent, paring its best quarter since 2010. Persimmon Plc (PSN) led housebuilders lower after the U.K. government said it will carry out annual checks on its home-buying-assistance program amid criticism it may lead to excessive real estate prices.

Top 5 Growth Stocks To Buy For 2015: Mitek Systems Inc (MITK)

Mitek Systems, Inc. (Mitek), incorporated in 1986, is engaged in the development, sale and service of software solutions related to mobile imaging applications and intelligent recognition software. Mitek is applying its technology and in image correction, optical character recognition and intelligent data extraction to mobile devices. Using Mitek Mobile Apps, camera-equipped smartphone users can deposit checks, pay bills, save receipts and fax documents. Users simply take a picture of the document and its products corrects image distortion, extracting relevant data, routing images to their desired location, and processing transactions through users��financial institutions. It has developed and deployed Mobile Deposit, a software application that allows users to deposit a check using their smartphone camera. It has developed and deployed Mobile Receipt, a receipt archival and expense report application, and Mobile Phax, a mobile document faxing application. Its Mobile Photo Bill Pay, a mobile bill paying application that allows users to pay their bills using their smartphone camera. During fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 (fiscal 2010), it had one operating segment based on its product and service offerings.

IMagePROVE Technology Products

Using IMagePROVE, the Company has a suite of business productivity applications for camera-equipped smartphones, including the iPhone and selected BlackBerry, Android and Windows Mobile handsets. It has four products that use its IMagePROVE technology Mobile Deposit, Mobile Receipt, Mobile Phax and Mobile Photo Bill Pay. Its products are used in the financial services industry. It has secured sales partnerships with system integrators for the financial services industry, including Fiserv, FIS, NCR, Jack Henry, Wausau, BankServ, RDM, J&B Software and Bluepoint Solutions.

The Company�� Mobile Deposit is the smartphone application allows banks to accept check deposits through photos of checks taken with camera-equipped smart! phones. Mobile Deposit allows users to make deposits by photographing the front and back of a check and submitting the item electronically to their bank from their smartphone. Its Mobile Receipt is designed to convert the photo of a receipt taken with a smartphone into an image and with a single touch, converts the data into a professional looking expense report. Mobile Phax allows user to take a photo of any letter sized document or page and send it as a portable document format (PDF) file to any e-mail address or fax machine.

The Company�� Mobile Photo Bill Pay allows users to take pictures of their bills with their smartphone cameras and its Mobile Photo Bill Pay product correct image distortion, reading relevant data and processing the transactions through the users��banks. The payment is made electronically by debiting the users checking account and using existing online bill pay systems. With Mobile Photo Bill Pay, users can submit electronic payments from their smartphones without having to write checks, lick stamps, visit a payment location or even use their personal computers.

ImageNet Intelligent Character Recognition Toolkits

The Company�� ImageNet products are designed to provide remittance processing, proof of deposit and lock box processing applications. Its products are used to reduce manual labor by automatically extracting amounts and routing information from checks and distinguishing between common document types, such as personal and business checks, substitute checks, pre-authorized drafts and other document types specified by customers. It sells ImageNet suite of products to its channel partners, who resell them as integrated components of their solutions and services. Its ImageNet suite of products includes ImageNet Prep & ID, ImageNet Payments, ImageNet Data Capture and ImageNet Signatures.

ImageNet Prep & ID is a software toolkit that is designed to provide automatic form information document (ID), form registration and fo! rm/templa! te removal. Image Net Prep & ID reduces the image size by removing information, such as pre-printed text, lines, and boxes; leaving only the filled-in data. ImageNet Payments allows for the automatic reading of machine and hand print information found on scanned documents and forms from any structured form, as well as bank documents, such as checks, deposit slips, and remittance coupons. ImageNet Payments integrates technology components from the CheckReader product that it licenses from a vendor that is designed to read rates of the currency and legal amounts of checks drawn on the United States and Canadian financial institutions.

ImageNet Data Capture is a software toolkit that captures data from types of unstructured business documents. ImageNet Data Capture is used in data capture applications where data must be found and extracted from documents that have no pre-determined format or layout, but share common data elements. ImageNet Data Capture is designed to locate this data on documents using contextual, positional, format and keyword specific information. It has supplied ImageNet Data Capture as a stand alone application programming interface (API) to several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the document processing field. ImageNet Signatures is a software toolkit that locates, extracts and verifies signatures in any document. It encodes each signature and compares it with encoded reference examples rather than comparing actual images. Its image analytics encode 60 characteristics of each signature, which allows for accurate signature fraud detection.

FraudProtect Systems

The Company�� FraudProtect System is an automated software application designed to allow banks to detect check fraud from forged signatures and counterfeit checks, as well as the detection of pre-authorized drafts and payee name alterations. Its FraudProtect suite of products includes FraudProtect SDK, PADsafe and PayeeFind. Its FraudProtect SDK is a toolkit designed to detect c! heck frau! d and forgery using image analytics to uncover inconsistencies and alterations in checks as they are processed by banks. These products are sold to OEMs and system integrators and can detect forged or illegally modified checks. Its PADsafe product detects fraudulent preauthorized drafts (PADs). PADsafe automatically identifies PADs from checks, and then notifies the user of fraudulent transactions, reducing and preventing the unauthorized withdrawal of funds. Its PayeeFind product is designed to prevent payee-altered checks from clearing.

ImageScore

ImageScore is the Company�� Check 21 readiness solution for any financial institution that truncates or uses check images in an accounts receivables conversion environment. Integrated solution providers for financial institutions can also buy ImageScore to enhance their products. ImageScore is designed to analyze check images to provide the usability and information needed to help financial institutions act in accordance with regulatory and industry mandates.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By U.S. News]
In at least one Texas bank and one Ohio credit union, 3D video banking is currently undergoing testing, according to TheFinancialBrand.com, a website for bank and credit union marketing executives. Three-dimensional video banking is similar to a consumer video conference with a bank representative –- only in this case, the executive looks like a living, breathing person sitting across from you. Thanks to theater surround sound, the representative also sounds as if they're in the same room. And since the consumer is interacting with a real person and not an automated hologram, the experience apparently isn't much different than the real thing. Banking and managing money isn't what it used to be. The 1970s and 1980s brought us the rise of the ATM. Consumers became acquainted with online banking during the 1990s and the first decade of the 2000s. The 2010s are shaping up as the era of mobile banking. That was underscored Sept. 10-11 in New York City when Mitek Systems Inc. (MITK), a San Diego-based technology company, debuted its Mobile Photo Account Opening product at Finovate, a trade show where banking tech products are often unveiled. The product allows consumers to open a bank account within 60 seconds. If you have your bank's app, you can use your smartphone's camera to take a photo of the front and back of your driver's license, and presto, your new checking, savings or credit card account is open. Here's a look at other financial products and services personal financial experts think we'll be using in the future. Within 10 years. "The economic payments system will begin to 'know us,' either through biometrics, optical sensor or facial recognition," says Joshua Siegel, managing principal of StoneCastle Partners, a New York-based asset management firm that invests in banks. That's already happening to some extent with smartphones –- the new Apple (AAPL) iPhone 5S, for example, uses fingerprint scanning to unlock the phone. Meanwhile, some fi
[By James E. Brumley]
Anybody who was lucky enough to get into a Recon Technology, Ltd. (NASDAQ:RCON) position before October 7th, then congratulations - you're up big-time. Now get out. Instead, a better use of that capital is Mitek Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MITK). While RCON is overbought and ripe for a pullback, MITK is itching to stage a breakout.
[By Eric Volkman]
Mitek Systems (NASDAQ: MITK ) is hoping to widen its capital base. The company announced it is floating nearly 2.86 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten public flotation, at a price of $5.25 per share. Additionally, the company's underwriters have been granted a 30-day option to purchase up to 428,571 shares to cover overallotments, if any.

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Onyx Service & Solutions Inc (ONYX)

Onyx Service & Solutions, Inc., incorporated on November 25, 2009, focuses on energy solutions. The Company is a solar products manufacturer and supplier. Utilizing Polycrystalline silicon, with 72 cells in series, it provides 240 watt, 245 watt, 250 watt, 255 watt, 260 watt, 265 watt, 270 watt, 275 watt and 280 watt configurations. Its 72 cell panel size is 1955 x 992 x 50 millimeters. It also provides panels, which utilize 54 cells in series for 200 watt, 205 watt, 210 watt and 215 watt configurations. The Company is also a provider of both privately-owned and company-owned automatic teller machines (ATM��), in Onondaga County in upstate New York. The Company receives revenues from the collection of the surcharge revenues and inter-exchange revenues. As of July 31, 2011, it owned three ATMs and manages 19 ATMS throughout upstate New York. On August 22, 2011, the Company acquired Southern Geo Power Corp. (SGPC).

The Company�� 54 cell panel size is 1482 x 992 x 50 millimeters. ONYX/Optimum Solar silicon ingots are provided in both Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline versions. Its ingots are P type with Boron dopant. ONYX/Optimum solar silicon wafers are Polycrystalline solar cell materials. Its wafers are provided in the 156 x 156 millimeter size with a thickness of 220 micrometer/ 220 micrometer +/- 40 micrometer. ONYX/Optimum Solar cells are crystalline materials. It offers two models of solar cells, its Mono five inches (R150) 125S and its Mono five inches (R165) 125SL. Its R150 125S delivers 10 different levels of efficiency and its R165 125SL delivers 11 different levels of efficiency. ONYX Solar Air Conditioning Units offer thermal solar, as well as photovoltaic alternate current (AC) technology solutions. ONYX Solar Street Lights employed for both surface road and elevated highway use, in single or multiple unit setups. Its solar street lights are replenished within the sunlit hours of the day, enabling sustained performance throughout the night.

ONYX Solar Desalin! ization Systems are driven by means of photovoltaic panels, making use of pressure pumps, which force sea water across a membrane filtration system. ONYX/Optimum Solar 300 watt grid-tied micro photovoltaic inverter model OSI-300 is designed for superior installation, functionality and field maintenance. ONYX Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Glass is able to supply power to any given location with access to sunlight. ONYX Solar Well-Water Pump Systems are available in four energy options for use in a range of functions. Its solar well water pump systems were developed for virtual maintenance-free operation, rendering these units as solution for usage throughout isolated regions, including those without an electricity infrastructure readily available. ONYX Solar�� Vertical Vane Wind Turbines thrive on their ability to deliver energy from the smallest of application sites with the most stringent requirements. Each unit is able to deliver six kilowatts of power and may be used in multi-unit configurations. Onyx Solar�� Attic Fans operate within attic room setup, delivering needed aid in overall temperature regulation of the entire home or industrial/commercial building. Each fan supplies a steady exchange rate of 1600 cubic feet per minute.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Lee Jackson]
Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) is a company doing the acquiring. The company recently completed a $10.4 billion purchase of Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ONYX) to add its cancer drug Kyprolis to its already sprawling portfolio. UBS has a $124 price target on the stock. The consensus target is at $123. Investors are paid a 1.7% dividend.

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Synaptics Inc (SYNA)

Synaptics Incorporated is a developer and supplier of custom-designed human interface solutions that enable people to interact with a range of mobile computing, communications, entertainment, and other electronic devices. The Company focuses on the personal computer ( PC) market, primarily notebook computers, including ultrabooks, the markets for digital lifestyle products, including mobile smartphones and feature phones, the tablet market, and other select electronic device markets with its customized human interface solutions. The Company generally supplies its human interface solutions to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers through their contract manufacturers, which take delivery of its products and pay the Company directly for them.

The Company provides custom human interface solutions for navigation, cursor control, and multimedia controls for many of the world�� premier PC OEMs. In addition to notebook applications, other PC product applications for its technology include peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and monitors, as well as remote control devices for desktops, PCs, and digital home applications. Its solutions for the PC market include the TouchPad, the ClickPad, the TouchStyk, and dual pointing solutions. The Company�� tablet includes the ClearPad Series 7. In August 2012, it acquired Pacinian and the Video Display Operation of Integrated Device Technology, Inc.

TouchPad

TouchPad provides a method for screen navigation, cursor movement, and gestures and provides a platform for interactive input for both the consumer and corporate markets. TouchPad solutions offer various advanced features, including Scrolling, Customizable tap zones, performance of entertainment, productivity, and media tasks, tapping and dragging of icons, and device Interaction. The Company�� TouchPad solutions are available in a variety of sizes, electrical interfaces, and thicknesses.

ClickPad

The Company�� ClickPad introduces! a clickable mechanical design to the TouchPad application. Its ClickPad is activated by pressing down on the internal tact switch to perform a left- or right-button click and provides feedback similar to pressing a physical button. The latest version of ClickPad features ClickEQ, which is a mechanical solution.

ForcePad

The Company's ForcePad is a thinner version of the Company's ClickPad, which introduces a new dimension in control through the addition of variable force sensitivity. ForcePad is designed to provide consistent performance across OEM models through its design intelligence and self-calibration features.

Dual Pointing Solutions

The dual pointing solutions offer a TouchPad with a pointing stick in a single notebook computer. Its dual pointing solutions also provide the end user the ability to use both interfaces interchangeably. The Company has developed two solutions for use in the dual pointing market. Its first solution integrates all the electronics for controlling a third-party resistive strain gauge pointing stick onto its TouchPad PCB. Its second dual pointing solution uses its TouchStyk and offers the OEM integration. The second solution is a completely modular design, allowing OEMs to offer TouchPad-only, TouchStyk-only, or dual pointing solutions on a build-to-order basis.

TouchStyk

The Company�� TouchStyk is a pointing stick interface solution for PC notebooks. TouchStyk is an integrated module that uses capacitive technology similar to that of its TouchPad. TouchStyk is enabled with press-to-select and tap-to-click capabilities and can be integrated into multiple computing and communications devices.

NavPoint

The Company�� NavPoint solution offers TouchPad functionality for small form factor devices in accessing and managing content in handheld devices through navigation controls. It also includes short- and long-distance scrolling features, tapping, and mouse-like cursor navigation.

ClearPad

The Company�� ClearPad touchscreen solutions consist of a transparent, thin capacitive sensor, which is a discrete sensor, that can be placed over any display, such as an liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Its ClearPad Series 3 can provide full-time tracking of ten or more fingers simultaneously and features stylus support and support for various sensor configurations, including discrete sensors, sensor-on-lens, which includes sensor electrodes patterned on the bottom of the glass cover lens; on-cell, which includes sensor electrodes patterned on the display glass, and in-cell, which includes sensor electrodes patterned inside the LCD glass.

The Company�� ClearPad Series 4 products combines its capacitive multi-touch technology with a device�� display driver in a single-chip solution delivering advanced display noise management and capacitive sensing performance. Its ClearPad Series 7 products are designed for large touchscreen market for products more closely related to clamshell notebooks, slates, tablets, and similar devices. The Company�� ClearPad Series 7 products include single-chip touchscreen solutions and multi-chip touchscreen solutions designed for devices, such as gaming applications.

FlexPad

This capacitive sensing interface is mounted beneath a mechanical keypad, and allows the keypad surface to be used for advanced scrolling and navigation features, character entry, and advanced gesture input on handheld devices. With navigation functionality similar to a touch pad, FlexPad offers interface and industrial design differentiation.

ClearButtons

The Company�� ClearButtons product is an extension of its core capacitive sensing technology that has been used in TouchPad solutions for notebook PCs, mobile smartphones, and feature phones. ClearButtons is a sensor that can be mounted under plastic, providing OEMs with integration and design options for scrolling and b! uttons.

TouchButtons

The Company�� TouchButtons product provides capacitive button and scrolling controls for an interface solution designed to replace mechanical buttons. Button arrays and ScrollStrips can be programmed to perform various functions, such as controls for multimedia, display and device settings in notebook PCs, multimedia keyboards, MP3 players, digital photo frames, monitors, and other digital lifestyle products. TouchButton interfaces are designed for integration under the plastic face of a device, allowing for a sealed, durable, and thin design, which can be coupled with light emitting diode (LED) animation.

ThinTouchTM

The Company�� ThinTouch, is a design technology that delivers a full keyboard solution that is 40% thinner than traditional keyboard solutions. ThinTouch provides design architecture that facilitates backlighting.

Proximity Sensing

The Company�� proximity sensing technology enables users to interact with consumer electronics without touch. With this technology, sensors in a device, such as a notebook PC, mobile phone, peripheral, or digital photo frame, sense the presence of a user�� hand to activate a function, such as illuminating LEDs for discoverable buttons or waking devices from power-saving mode.

Dual Mode

The Company�� Dual Mode-enabled TouchPad interface allows a user to switch between cursor control and icon-based control on the TouchPad surface. In default mode, a Dual Mode-enabled TouchPad provides the same cursor control for on-screen navigation as a standard TouchPad. When the user taps on a launch icon located on the TouchPad surface, control icons illuminate on the TouchPad surface.

ChiralMotion Gesture

The Company�� ChiralMotion Gesture technology can be applied for continuous circular motion to initiate precise and fine-tuned scrolling on any two-dimensional input surface, such as its TouchPad and ClearPad solutions. ChiralMoti! on Gestur! e technology is suited for small handheld products, such as feature-rich mobile handsets, personal navigation systems, and personal media players that require easy access for entertainment, music, and other digital files.

Synaptics Gesture Suite

The Company�� Synaptics Gesture Suite (SGSTM) provides users with an intuitive way to interact with their notebook computers. SGS was developed by analyzing the most common workflows from entertainment activities, such as viewing photos and listening to music, to productivity activities, such as accessing e-mails and presentations. SGS represents a portfolio of gestures available on its interface solutions. These gestures are compatible with a range of Microsoft Windows and Linux applications. Gestures in the market include Pinch, Rotate, ChiralMotion Scrolling, Two-Finger Scrolling, Three-Finger Flick, Three-Finger Down, and Four-Finger Flick.

Enhanced Gesture Recognition

Synaptics�� Enhanced Gesture Recognition is a suite of ClearPad gestures included in its firmware. Customers can easily enable SingleTouch gestures, such as Tap, Double Tap, Press, and Flick; DualTouch gestures, such as Pinch and Pivot Rotate, and multi-finger gestures for ClearPad directly from its touch module firmware. No additional ssoftware is required on the host processor to implement these gestures.

Dual Mode for TouchPad

The Company's Dual Mode-enabled TouchPad interface allows a user to switch between cursor control and icon-based controls on the TouchPad surface. In default mode, a Dual Mode-enabled TouchPad provides the same cursor control for on-screen navigation as a standard TouchPad.

The Company competes with Alps Electric, Elan Microelectronics, Atmel, Cypress and Melfas.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Brian Pacampara]
What: Shares of Synaptics (NASDAQ: SYNA ) climbed 11% today after the touch-screen technologist raised its outlook for the current quarter. �
[By Evan Niu, CFA]
What: Shares of Synaptics (NASDAQ: SYNA ) have popped by as much as 18% today after the company posted solid quarterly earnings and provided upbeat guidance thanks to design wins at Samsung.
[By Evan Niu, CFA]
You got me there
In these specific use cases, Apple simply can't compete. Short of calling up Synaptics (NASDAQ: SYNA ) and incorporating the company's ClearPad technology and its 3D-Touch capabilities, the iPhone will never know when you're about to touch it. Apple used to tap Synaptics for iPod click-wheel sensors, but that was a long time ago. The Samsung design win has given Synaptics a nice pop, since the GS4 is bound to bring in abundant unit volumes.

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Steel Excel Inc (SXCL)

Steel Excel Inc., formerly ADPT Corp., incorporated in 1981, is primarily focused on capital redeployment and identification of new business operations. The identification of new business operations includes, but is not limited to, the oilfield servicing, sports, training, education, entertainment and lifestyle businesses. The Company operates in two segments: oilfield servicing and sports-related segment. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired two sports-related businesses and one oilfield servicing business. On June 27, 2011, the Company acquired Baseball Heaven LLC and Baseball Cafe, Inc. On August 15, 2011, the Company acquired The Show, LLC. On December 7, 2011, the Company acquired Rogue Pressure Services, LLC. On February 9, 2012, the Company acquired Eagle Well Services, Inc. In May 2012, the Company acquired Sun Well Service, Inc. Effective December 16, 2013, Steel Excel Inc acquired Black Hawk Energy Services Inc, a provider of oil and gas field services.

The Company�� oilfield servicing segment provides services in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Services include snubbing services (controlled installation and removal of all tubulars - drill strings and production strings) in and out of the wellbore with the well under full pressure, flowtesting, and hydraulic work over/simultaneous operations (allows customers to perform multiple tasks on multiple wells on one pad at the same time). The Company�� sports-related services segment provides services related to marketing and providing baseball facility services, including training camps, summer camps, leagues and tournaments, concession and catering events and other events and related Websites. In addition, the Company outfit little league baseball and softball players and coaches in official major league baseball uniforms.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Geoff Gannon]
1. Steel Excel (SXCL)
2. FormFactor (FORM)
3. Imation (IMN)
4. Tuesday Morning (TUES)
5. Pacific Biosciences (PACB)
6. Maxygen (MAXY)
7. Westell (WSTL)
8. Volt Information Sciences (VISI)
9. Yasheng Group (YHGG)

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Imagination Technologies Group PLC (IGNMF.PK)

Imagination Technologies Group plc is engaged in multimedia and communication technologies. The Company operates in two segments: Technology business and the Pure business. The Company�� Technology business segment is engaged in the development of embedded graphics, video, display and multi-threaded processor and multi-standard broadcast receiver and connectivity technologies for licensing to semiconductor companies for incorporation into silicon devices. The Company�� Pure business segment is engaged in the development and marketing of consumer products to showcase the technologies of the Technology business and to develop markets for such technologies. In March 2012, Toumaz Ltd completed the exchange of Imagination Technologies Group plc's interest in Toumaz Ltd�� Toumaz Microsystems subsidiary. In February 2013, it acquired the operating business and certain patent properties of MIPS Technologies, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Ashraf Eassa]
However, I expect that Intel is at risk of having a significant marketing problem trying to sell a dual core product into a world of quad core phones, even if the dual core part delivers better performance/watt. I further expect that from what is currently known about Bay Trail's GPU (4 EU Gen7 GPU), it is unlikely that -- unless Intel is either using Imagination's (IGNMF.PK) next generation PowerVR 6 or a beefed up Gen7 design for the "Merrifield" SoC -- it will be as competitive with the Snapdragon 800 on the GPU side of things, which could pose as an additional headwind to adoption. I also believe that the Q1 2014 launch curtails any hope that there will be a 14nm smartphone product launched in 2014 (although Mr. Krzanich's comments about "acceleration" could be a source of optimism here), which means that the company's process lead could ultimately prove to be ephemeral in this particular end market. Fortunately, product cycles in this space are short, so it may be okay to have Merrifield be reasonably short lived.

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Makism 3D Corp (MDDD)

Makism 3D Corp., incorporated on May 4 2010, is a three dimensional (3D) printer manufacturing company. The Company produces consumer and professional grade 3D printers. The Company�� flagship product, branded as the Wideboy family of printers, offers packaging designed to fit any office or professional space.

Its 3D printers utilize British and German engineered components. Its printers are assembled in Cambridge (United Kingdom).

Advisors' Opinion:

[By James E. Brumley]
All well and good, but for veteran traders, there's something uneasy about the recent swelling of interest in these names... there's too much hype, and not enough substance. Enter another small cap name in the 3D printing race - Makism 3D Corp. (OTCBB:MDDD). It's not throwing any parties for itself, and it's not congratulating itself for achievements that may be a solution to a problem that doesn't actually exist. MDDD is simply on the verge of making a high-quality 3D printer at a very practical price that will appeal to individual consumers as well as businesses.
[By James E. Brumley]
They say the great ones withstand the test of time. If that's true of stocks (and it is), then it's becoming increasingly safer to say Makism 3D Corp. (OTCMKTS:MDDD) is one of the great ones within the 3D printing world. No, it's neither as big nor as prolific as 3D printer names like 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) or Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS). Then again, everything is relative; MDDD may well be packing more of a punch for its investors than SSYS or DDD have in a long time.

Top Computer Hardware Stocks To Buy For 2015: Fusion-io Inc (FIO)

Fusion-io Inc (Fusion) is a provider of datacenter solutions that accelerate databases, virtualization, cloud computing, big data, and the applications that help drive business from the smallest e-tailers to some of the largest data centers, social media leaders, and Fortune Global 500 businesses. The Company's integrated hardware and software platform enables the decentralization of data from legacy architectures and specialized hardware. The Company sells its solutions through a global direct sales force, original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, including Cisco, Dell, HP, and IBM, and other channel partners. In August 2011, the Company acquired IO Turbine, Inc.,. Effective March 18, 2013, the Company acquired ID7.

Fusion-io's ioMemory hardware is a sub-system connecting a large array of industry-standard NAND Flash memory through the Company's data-path controller and its virtual storage layer, or VSL, software to create a high capacity memory tier that natively attaches to a server's PCI-Express peripheral bus (PCIe).

The Company's portfolio of storage memory products incorporates the Company's ioMemory hardware combined with its virtual storage layer (VSL) and caching software into its family of ioDrive, ioFX, and ioCache enterprise grade products. The Company's ioDrive products work in conjunction with the Company's directCache data-tiering software, ioTurbine virtualization software, ioSphere management system, and ION Data Accelerator software. The Company's latest ioDrive, ioFX, and ioCache product families are a line of PCIe standard form-factor storage memory platforms that combine one or more ioMemory sub-systems with the Company's VSL software.

The Company's directCache software extends the Company's ioMemory based platforms and permits interoperability with traditional direct-attached, network-attached, storage area network attached, and appliance attached backend storage systems. The Company's ioTurbine virtualization software extends the Company! 's ioMemory platform and permits host-based data acceleration to specifically address the demand for high-density, high-performance server, and desktop virtualization.

ioSphere is a suite of management software purpose-built for the Company's storage memory infrastructure and designed around its application acceleration platform. ioSphere software is accessible through a graphical user interface that enables datacenter administrators to centrally configure, monitor, manage, and tune all distributed ioMemory devices throughout the datacenter. In addition, this software offers real-time, predictive, and historical reporting of ioMemory's performance and wear.

The Company's ION Data Accelerator software transforms server platforms into application acceleration appliances that share Fusion ioMemory across applications. ION Data Accelerator delivers Fusion-io performance on open server platforms with software-defined storage, or SDS, for applications such as Oracle RAC, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and SAP HANA, along with other applications where shared storage aids deployment. The Company's original equipment manufacturer�� (OEMs), including Cisco, Dell, HP, and IBM, sell branded storage memory solutions based on the Company's standard products as well as custom form-factor versions to fit specific applications.

The Company competes with EMC Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P, Texas Memory Systems, Oracle, Adaptec, Inc., LSI Corporation, Sandisk, Corp, IBM, CA, Inc, Nagios Enterprises, LLC., Hitachi Data, Huawei Technologies, Co., Intel Corp., LSI Corporation, Marvell Semiconductor, Inc., Micron Technology, Inc., OCZ Technology Group, Inc., Samsung Electronics, Inc., SanDisk, Corp., Seagate Technology, STEC, Inc., Toshiba Corp., and Western Digital Corp.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Selena Maranjian]
Among holdings in which Appaloosa Management increased its stake was Fusion-io (NYSE: FIO ) , an enterprise storage company focused on technologies such as flash memory and solid-state drives. The company posted strong earnings in its last quarter, and an upbeat outlook, sending its shares up by double digits ��but then they plunged by double digits a few weeks later, when the CEO and CMO, both co-founders of the company, abruptly departed. Bulls like its purchase of NexGen Storage, but bears worry about competitors looming and don't like that much of its revenue has come from just a few key clients.
[By Rich Duprey]
Facebook gets much of its flash memory from Fusion-io (NYSE: FIO ) , where it accounts for more than a third of the memory maker's total revenues, and it was buying up a lot more of its flash in the fiscal fourth quarter than Fusion-io had anticipated. While the current quarter is going to see a bit of a drop-off in demand from Facebook, the flash-memory maker expects to be able to keep the strong relationship going in the future. Whether it will be the one making the "worst possible flash" remains to be seen.
[By Evan Niu, CFA]
What: Shares of Fusion-io (NYSE: FIO ) got destroyed today, down by as much as 27% after the company announced a management shakeup.

So what: CEO and co-founder David Flynn has abruptly stepped down alongside his fellow co-founder Rick White in order to "pursue entrepreneurial investing activities." Both Flynn and White will remain on the board of directors as advisors for the next 12 months.