Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Best India Stocks To Invest In 2016

Best India Stocks To Invest In 2016: Stewart Information Services Corporation(STC)

Stewart Information Services Corporation provides title insurance and related information services required for settlement by the real estate and mortgage industries. It operates in two segments, Title Insurance-Related Services and Real Estate Information. The Title Insurance-Related Services segment offers services that include searching for and examining documents, such as deeds, mortgages, wills, divorce decrees, court judgments, liens, paving assessments, and tax records, as well as provides titles insurance for residential and commercial properties, undeveloped acreage, farms, ranches, and water rights. This segment serves attorneys, builders, developers, home buyers and home sellers, lenders, and real estate brokers. The Real Estate Information segment offers products and services, which primarily include lender services, title technology, foreign and domestic government services, mapping, title information, Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred property e xchanges, pre-employment services, and online filing and transaction management. Its customers include mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers, mortgage investors, government entities, commercial and residential real estate agents, land developers, builders, title insurance agencies, and others interested in obtaining property information, as well as accountants, attorneys, investors, and employers. The company has operations primarily in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, central Europe, Mexico, central America, and Australia. Stewart Information Services Corporation was founded in 1893 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By James Fink]

    My housing pick is Houston-based Stewart Information Services (STC), a 120-year-old real estate business founded in 1893, that is still owned and ma! naged by the founding family.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Tower Group has dropped 12% to $3.88 today at 11:39 a.m., while Stewart Information Services (STC) has dipped 0.1% to $31.16, the Navigators Group (NAVG) has fallen 1.4% to $54.78 and HCI Group (HCI) has gained 1% to $38.16.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Tower Group has dropped 40% to $4.43 today, and some other small insurers are also getting dinged this morning. HCI Group (HCI) has fallen 1.8% to $39.36, Stewart Information Services (STC) has declined 0.7% to $31.36 and the Navigators Group (NAVG) has ticked down 0.4% to $56.10.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-india-stocks-to-invest-in-2016.html

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Top Construction Material Stocks To Buy For 2016

Top Construction Material Stocks To Buy For 2016: Holcim Ltd (HOLN)

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

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

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-construction-material-stocks-to-buy-for-2016.html

Monday, July 20, 2015

Top Energy Companies To Own For 2016

Top Energ y Companies To Own For 2016: InterOil Corp (IOC)

InterOil Corporation (InterOil), incorporated on August 24, 2007, is an integrated energy company operating in Papua New Guinea and the surrounding Southwest Pacific region. InterOil operates in four segments: upstream, midstream, downstream and corporate. The upstream segment explores, appraises and develops crude oil and natural gas structures in Papua New Guinea. This segment also manages its construction business, which services the development projects underway in Papua New Guinea. The midstream segment produces refined petroleum products at Napa Napa in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the domestic market and for export. It is developing liquefaction and associated facilities in Papua New Guinea for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The downstream segment markets and distributes refined products domestically in Papua New Guinea on a wholesale and retail basis.

During 2012, it sold approximately 13% of its refined petroleum products to Pacific Energy Aviation (PNG) Ltd for aviation refueling at Papua New Guinea's international airport in Port Moresby. The corporate segment provides support to the other business segments by engaging in business development and improvement activities and providing general and administrative services and management, undertakes financing and treasury activities, and is responsible for government and investor relations. This segment also manages the Company's shipping business, which operates two vessels transporting petroleum products for it's and external customers, both within PNG and for export in the South Pacific region.

Upstream - Exploration and Production

InterOil's upstream business segment focuses on the development program for the Elk, Antelope and Triceratops fields. The Elk and Antelope fields are onshore gas fields with contingent resources.! As at December 31, 2012, it had interests in three PPLs and one PRL in Papua New Guinea covering 3,996,453 gross acres, all of which were operated by the Co! mpany. PPLs 236, 237 and 238 and PRL 15 are located onshore in the Eastern Papuan Basin, northwest of Port Moresby. It undertook exploration activities in its three exploration licenses, PPL 236, PPL 237 and PPL 238. These exploration activities involved a regional airborne geophysical survey, various seismic surveys across a number of prospects and preparation for drilling of its next appraisal well, Triceratops 2, which was spudded in mid-January 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a 100% working interest in PPL 236. The license consists of 53 graticular blocks covering an area of 4,502 square kilometers or 1,112,464 acres. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a 100% working interest in PPL 237. The license consists of 34 graticular blocks covering an area of 3,238 square kilometers or 715,648 acres. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a 100% working interest in PPL 238. The license consists of 94 graticular blocks covering an area of 7,92 2 square kilometers or 1,978,565 acres.

Midstream

The Company's refinery is located across the harbor from Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea. Its refinery is the sole refiner of hydrocarbons located in Papua New Guinea. Jet fuel, diesel and gasoline are the primary products that the Company produces for the domestic market. The refining process also results in the production of two Naphtha grades and low sulfur waxy residue. Papua New Guinea is its principal market for the products its refinery produces, other than Naphtha and LSWR. Its refinery is fully certified to manufacture and market Jet A-1 fuel to international specifications and markets this product to both domestic Papua New Guinea and overseas airlines.

Downstream - Wholesale and Retail Distribution

The Company has the wholesale and retail ! petroleum! product distribution base in Papua New Guinea. This business includes bulk storage, transporta tion distribution, aviation, wholesale and retail facilities! for refi! ned petroleum products. Its downstream business supplies petroleum products nationally in Papua New Guinea through a portfolio of retail service stations and commercial customers. As of December 31, 2012, InterOil provided petroleum products to 53 retail service stations with 43 operating under the InterOil brand name and the remaining 10 operating under their own independent brand. Of the 53 service stations that the Company supplies, 16 are either owned by or head leased to it, which it then sublease to company-approved operators. The remaining 37 service stations are independently owned and operated. It also provides fuel pumps and related infrastructure to the operators of the majority of these retail service stations that are not owned or leased by the Company under cover of equipment loan agreement. Its retail business accounted for approximately 15% of its total downstream sales during 2012. Its retail and wholesale distribution business distributes diesel, jet fuel, avgas, gasoline, kerosene and fuel oil, as well as branded commercial and industrial lubricants, such as engine and hydraulic oils.

The Company competes with ExxonMobil.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lisa Levin]

    InterOil (NYSE: IOC) shares reached a new 52-week low of $50.60. InterOil's PEG ratio is -2.01.

    Linktone (NASDAQ: LTON) shares touched a new 52-week low of $1.30. Linktone's trailing-twelve-month operating margin is -20.15%.

  • [By Robert Rapier]

    InterOil Corporation (NYSE: IOC) advertises itself as an integrated energy company operating in Papua New Guinea and the surrounding region. The company has four segments: upstream, midstream, downstream and corporate. The upstream segment explores, appraises and develops crude oil and natural gas structures in Papua New Guinea.

  • [! By Tyler ! Crowe]

    InterOil (NYSE: IOC  ) : In many ways, the issue with investing in InterOil over the next year or so is very similar to investing in Cheniere Energy. Both of these companies are plays on assets that have not yet generated any revenue from those assets that makes it an attractive investment. 

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

Sunday, July 19, 2015

5 Best Food Stocks To Invest In 2016

5 Best Food Stocks To Invest In 2016: Wasgau Produktions & Handels AG (MSH)

Wasgau Produktions & Handels AG is a Germany-based retailer and producer of food articles. The Company divides its business activities into the two main segments Wholesale and Retail. The Wholesale's businesses include seven Cash and Carry markets for restaurateurs and wholesale customers, as well as commercial businesses of the holding company WASGAU Produktions & Handels AG, which are supported by its subsidiary WASGAU Dienstleistungs & Logistik GmbH, active within warehouse management and transportation. The Operations within the Retail segment are mainly carried out through Company's subsidiaries WASGAU Metzgerei GmbH and WASGAU Baeckerei & Konditorei GmbH, which produce and supply its stores with a variety of meats and bakery products, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated through 24 affiliated companies and subsidiaries located in Germany. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Benjamin Pimentel]

    With H-P and JD in the spotlight, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (COMP)  rose almost 23 points to close at 4,154. The Morgan Stanley High Tech 35 Index (MSH)  and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX)  were up a fraction.

  • [By Benjamin Pimentel]

    The Nasdaq Composite Index (COMP)  fell 0.4% to close at 4,052. The Morgan Stanley High Tech 35 Index (MSH)  and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX)  each gained a fraction.

  • [By B! enjamin Pimentel]

    But the Nasdaq Composite Index (COMP)  edged higher by 0.2% to close at 4,276, even as the Morgan Stanley High Tech 35 Index (MSH)  and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) were each down a fraction.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/5-best-food-stocks-to-invest-in-2016.html

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015

During the second quarter, we added to our position in The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (SAM), best known for its Sam Adams brand. Founded in 1984 by sixth generation brewer Jim Koch, Boston Beer is the largest craft brewer in the United States, selling three million barrels annually and generating close to $700 million in sales.While craft beer represents just 7% of the U.S. beer industry by volume, it is one of the fastest and most exciting growth segments in the beverage space. More flavorful and exotic brews are rapidly taking share from 'big beer' brands such as Budweiser and Miller and increasingly even wine and spirits. This is occurring as consumers seek out more variety, more flavor and better quality ingredients from their beers, similar to what the wine industry experienced several decades ago. We believe Boston Beer remains the clear innovator and leader in this category with the broadest portfolio and frequent new product introductions. Though they have the largest share of craft, Boston Beer represents just a little over 1% of the overall U.S. beer market, offering meaningful opportunities to leverage its infrastructure and gain wider distribution across the country. (Matt Weiss)

Top 10 Machinery Companies To Buy For 2016: Euro/Forint(GY)

GenCorp Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of aerospace and defense products and systems in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Aerospace and Defense, and Real Estate. The Aerospace and Defense segment offers defense system products, including liquid, solid, and air-breathing propulsion systems and components for applications in missile defense systems, maneuvering propulsion systems, precision war-fighting systems, and specialty metal products, as well as for use in strategic, tactical, and precision strike missiles. This segment also provides composite and metallic aerospace structural components, and warhead and armament systems for precision tactical and long range weapon applications. In addition, it provides liquid, solid, and electric propulsion systems and components for space systems, such as expendable and reusable launch vehicles, transatmospheric vehicles, manned and unmanned spacecraft, separation and maneuvering systems, upper stage engines, satellites, solid boosters, and integrated propulsion subsystems. This segment serves military, civil, and commercial space customers; Department of Defense; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; aerospace, defense, and commercial prime contractors; and various agencies of the United States government. The Real Estate segment engages in the re-zoning, entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company?s excess real estate assets; and owns approximately 12,200 acres of land in the Sacramento metropolitan area. GenCorp Inc. was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rick Munarriz]

    Monday
    The first trading day of the week kicks off with GenCorp (NYSE: GY  ) posting quarterly results. The aerospace and defense contractor completed its acquisition of Pratt & Whitney's rocket engine manufacturer Rocketdyne after receiving clearance from the Federal Trade Commission earlier this month. Naturally, Rocketdyne's performance won't be baked into the financials.

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015: Aeroflex Holding Corp (ARX)

Aeroflex Holding Corp. (Aeroflex Holding) is a provider of radio frequency (RF) and microwave integrated circuits, components and systems used in the design, development and maintenance of wireless communication systems. The Company�� solutions include microelectronic components and test and measurement equipment used by companies in the space, avionics and defense; commercial wireless communications, and medical and other markets. Its products include a range of RF, microwave and millimeter wave microelectronic components, integrated circuits (ICs), and analog and mixed-signal devices. It also manufactures a range of RF and microwave wireless radio and avionics test equipment and solutions particularly for the wireless, avionics and radio test markets. The Company operates in two segments: Aeroflex Microelectronics Solutions (AMS) and Aeroflex Test Solutions (ATS). In August 2010, it acquired Advanced Control Components. In September 2013, the Company announced the sale of its Aeroflex Test Equipment Services (ATES) business to Trescal Limited. In February 2014, Aeroflex Holding Corp announced the acquisition of Shenick Network Systems.

Aeroflex Microelectronic Solutions

AMS offers a range of microelectronics products and is a provider of specialty products for the space, avionics, defense, commercial wireless communications, medical and other markets. RadHard products are specifically designed to tolerate high radiation level environments, which otherwise can degrade electronic components. The Company principally operates on a fabless semiconductor manufacturing model, outsourcing virtually all front-end semiconductor fabrication activities to commercial foundries. AMS offers a range of complementary products that provide connectivity and computing functionality for applications. Its product portfolio includes RF, microwave and millimeter wave products, including discrete components, ICs, monolithic microwave ICs and multi-chip modules.

AMS designs and manu! factures application specific, analog and mixed-signal devices for use in medical, industrial and intelligent sensors. The Company�� AMS products are used in over 100 space, avionics and defense platforms, including the Wideband Global Satellite Communications satellites, the Geostationary Operational Environmental satellites, the Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites, the Boeing 777 airliner's databus, the F-16's modular mission computer, the B-1 flight controls upgrade and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense program. Its AMS products are also used in wireless communications platforms, including WCDMA and LTE cellular base station systems, as well as point-to-point broadband radio applications. In the medical area, our products are used by two of the top four manufacturers of CT scan equipment.

AMS provides HiRel standard and custom integrated circuits and circuit card assembly for the aerospace, altitude avionics, medical, x-ray cargo scanners, critical transportation systems, nuclear power controls, global positioning systems (GPS) receivers, networking and telecommunication markets. AMS' HiRel products include transceivers, analog multiplexers, clock management generators, MSI logic products, battery electronics units, voltage regulators, high-speed power controllers, MIL-STD 1553 bus controllers, remote terminals, bus monitors, microcontrollers and microprocessors, RadHard Pulse Width Modulation Controllers, RadHard Resolver-to-Digital and memory modules. HiRel Microelectronics/ Semiconductors have a typical life cycle of 10-20 years.

AMS provides a set of standard and application specific RF/microwave diodes and semiconductor devices. Microwave semiconductor products offered include diodes, amplifiers, resistors, inductors, capacitors, switches, and integrated devices. RF and Microwave active components and subsystems offered include PIN diode-based microwave control components, variable attenuators, phase shifters, limiters, time delay units and Multi-Funct! ion Micro! wave assemblies. AMS offers resistor products, which include a variety of low and high reliability power surface mounted passive devices for the wireless infrastructure and defense markets with applications in isolators, circulators, single and multi-carrier power amplifiers and circuits. Passive components offered include attenuators, terminations, adapters, DC blocks, and other components for commercial, military and laboratory applications. Other products include power amplifiers, up and down converters, mixers, filters and micro-receivers operating to over 40 giga hertz (GHz). RF and Microwave components have a typical life cycle of 5-15 years. The Company�� motion control products provide complete and integrated motion control solutions for space (both military and commercial), military, avionics, and industrial customers. Its product line offerings include actuators and mechanisms, electronic controllers, slip rings and twist capsules, DC motors and Gimbal Systems. Motion control products have a typical life cycle of 10-20 years.

Aeroflex Test Solutions

ATS is a provider of a line of specialized test and measurement hardware and software products, primarily for the space, avionics, defense, commercial wireless communications and other markets. ATS products and their applications include wireless test equipment, which is used to develop and test handsets and base stations; military radio and PMR test equipment, which is used by radio manufacturers and military, police, fire, and emergency response units to test handheld radios; avionics test equipment, which is used in the design, manufacture and maintenance of electronics systems for aircraft; synthetic test equipment, which is used to test satellites and transmit / receive modules prior to launch and deployment, and general purpose test equipment, including spectrum analyzers and signal generators.

Wireless Test Equipment is used by wireless service providers and equipment manufacturers to test wireless ! handsets ! and base stations. The Company offers a range of cellular tests across a range of wireless standards and communication frequencies, including 2G and 3G, with particular capability in EDGE protocols, and the new 4G LTE/LTE(A) protocols. Products include a range of system, protocol, physical layer and parametric test solutions, such as the TM500 test mobile, RF synthesizers, digitizers and combiners, and application software. In addition, ATS provides PXI-based products which are modular scalable solutions for the handset manufacturing environment. Product applications include research and development, conformance, manufacturing/production, installation and commissioning, field service, and network optimization.

ATS Radio Test Equipment is used by radio manufacturers and military, police, fire and emergency response units to test handheld radio units. ATS provides TErrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), and Project 25 (P25), radio test equipment, addressing both mobile and repeater test applications. TETRA is a global standard for private mobile radio (PMR), systems used by emergency services, public transport and utilities. P25 is a standard for digital radio communications for use by federal, state, private, and local public safety agencies in North America. Its military communications testing systems are primarily used by the United States military to test complex voice and data frequency hopping radios and accessories. Military radio and PMR test equipment has a typical life cycle of 5-20 years.

Avionics test equipment is used in the design, manufacture, test and maintenance of commercial, civil and military airborne electronic systems, or avionics. ATS equipment provides the stimulus and signals necessary for certification, verification, fault finding and diagnosis of airborne systems on the ground. For civil and commercial aviation, it has test solutions for various transponder modes, communications frequencies, emergency locator transmitters, weather radars and GPS systems. F! or milita! ry aviation, it has test solutions for microwave landing systems, tactical air navigation, enhanced traffic alert and collision avoidance systems, various identification friend or foe, or IFF, transponder/interrogator modes and IFF monopulse antenna simulation. ATS also provides customized avionics test solutions to support manual and automatic test equipment for manufacturing, repair and ground support operations. Avionics test equipment has a typical life cycle of 8-15 years.

Synthetic test systems test several attributes through one box and can take multiple complex measurements simultaneously. ATS provides synthetic test environment that allows digital, analog, RF/microwave and power test of circuits, modules, subsystems and complete systems for commercial, military, and aerospace customers. ATS' STI 1000C+ and TRM 1000C products offer synthetic microwave test systems optimized for testing Transmit/Receive modules and satellite payloads in a factory setting. Its SMART^E and SMART^E 5300 products offer a modular approach for implementing multi-function configurable and reconfigurable test systems. Synthetic test solutions products have a typical life cycle of 10-15 years.

ATS offers a variety of general purpose test solutions including microwave test solutions, counters and power meters. ATS microwave test solutions cover frequency ranges from 1 megahertz (MHz) to 46 gigahertz (GHz), with various tracking, offset, continuous wave, modulated source, fault location, and group delay configuration options provided. ATS power meters are designed for field use, automated test equipment requirements and standard bench applications. General purpose test solutions have a typical life cycle of 4-7 years.

The Company Competes with Agilent Technologies, Honeywell, BAE Systems, Hittite Microwave Corporation, ILC / Data Devices Corporation, Microsemi, Anaren, Anite, Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz, Spirent and National Instruments.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense issued some 22 separate contract awards Thursday, totaling just under $1 billion in combined value. Not all of them went to publicly traded defense contractors, of course, but enough of them did to be worth mentioning. Here are a few of the lucky winners:

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    In trading on Tuesday, technology shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.12 percent. Leading the sector was strength from Aeroflex Holding (NYSE: ARX) and Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ). Cyclical consumer goods & services shares declined around 0.71 percent in Tuesday's trading.

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015: Franklin Resources Inc.(BEN)

Franklin Resources Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. The firm provides its services to individuals, institutions, pension plans, trusts, and partnerships. It manages, through its subsidiary, separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. The firm also launches equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds. It launches hedge funds and provides retirement plans to its clients through its subsidiaries. The firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe through its subsidiaries. Franklin Resources, Inc was founded in 1947 and is based in San Mateo, California with additional offices in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, Hong Kong, China, Melbourne, Australia, Sydney, Australia, Nassau, Bahamas, New York City, Paris, France, Rancho Cordova, California, and Toronto, Ontario.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By ovenerio]

    In this article, let's take a look at Franklin Resources Inc. (BEN), a $35.11 billion market cap company that is one of the world's largest asset managers, serving retail, institutional and high-net-worth clients.

  • [By Wallace Witkowski]

    While the big banks and financial firms have already reported earnings, Greenhaus noted this week will see the largest number of financial sector firms reporting than any other week. More than 20 S&P 500 financial sector companies report including several insurers such as Dow component Travelers Cos. (TRV) , a number of real-estate investment trusts such as Simon Properties Group Inc. (SPG) , capital markets firms such as Franklin Resources Inc. (BEN) �and State Street Corp. (STT) , as well as exchange operator Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. (NDAQ) �

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015: Obagi Medical Products Inc.(OMPI)

Obagi Medical Products, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, markets, and sells topical aesthetic and therapeutic prescription skin care systems. It offers Obagi Nu-Derm System, including prescription and OTC drugs that are used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, laxity, and skin sallowness; Obagi Condition and Enhance Systems that are used before and after surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures; Obagi-C Rx System comprises Vitamin C with 4% hydroquinone system to treat skin conditions resulting from sun damage and the oxidative damage of free radicals; and Professional-C products consisting of Vitamin C serums for the treatment of antioxidant protection, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The company also provides ELASTIderm Eye and D�olletage, which increases the elasticity and skin tone of eyes, face, neckline, and chest; ELASTILash Eyelash Solution that enhances the appearance of thickness and fullness of eyelashes; CLENZIderm M.D. Systems and Tretinoin for treating acne; and Obagi Rosaclear System used for the treatment of rosacea. In addition, it offers Refissa and Blue Peel RADIANCE used for the treatment of fine facial lines, hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness; Metronidazole used for the treatment of rosacea; Obagi Blue Peel Essential Kit used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Further, the company licenses non-prescription product concepts under the Obagi trademark to a Japanese-based pharmaceutical company for sale through consumer distribution channels in Japan. Obagi Medical Products, Inc. sells its products through sales force and distribution partners in the United States, North and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other physicians that are focused on aesthetic and therapeutic skin care. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Lon g Beach, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Keith Speights]

    "Bidness" is good
    Last week, Obagi Medical Products (NASDAQ: OMPI  ) made our list of humongous performers after Valeant Pharmaceuticals� (NYSE: VRX  ) announced a $344 million bid for the company. This week saw a bidding frenzy, with Obagi shares jumping another 29%.

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015: Dex Media Inc (DXM)

Dex Media, Inc., incorporated on August 17, 2012, is a provider of social, local and mobile marketing solutions for local businesses. The Company provides marketing solutions that include Websites, print, mobile, search engine and social media solutions. The Company�� brands include Dex One and SuperMedia. Through both brands, it delivers a range of social, mobile, and print solutions.

The Company's consumer services include the Dex Knows.com and Superpages.com online and mobile search portals and applications and local print directories. On April 30, 2013, Dex One Corporation and SuperMedia Inc. announced the completion of their merger, creating Dex Media, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Since the last conference, for every winning pick like Akamai Technolgies (AKAM)–which gained 19% after being picked by Blue Harbour Group’s Clifton Robbins–or Digital Realty Trust (DLR)–which rose fell 27.5% after being picked as a short by Jonathon Jacobson of Highfields Capital Management–there’s been a stinker like Chipotle Mexican Grill�(CMG)–which gained 29% after Double Line’s Jeffrey Gundlach recommended shorting it–or Dex Media (DXM)–which advanced 53.7% after Hayman Capital’s Kyle Bass recommended selling. In fact, the average pick lost 3.8%, even as the S&P 500 gained 15.2%.

  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Dex Media (DXM) is a provider of marketing solutions that include Web sites, print, mobile, search engine and social media solutions for local businesses, through its Dex One and SuperMedia Marketing Consultants. This stock closed up 5.6% at $10.25 in Thursday's trading session.

    Thursday's Volume: 471,000

    Three-Month Average Volume: 280,277

    Volume % Change: 105%

    From a technical perspective, DXM spiked sharply higher here right above some near-term support at $9 with above-average volume. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last four months, with shares plunging lower from its low of $23.86 to its recent low of $8.85. During that move, shares of DXM have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of DXM have started to see its downside volatility stop as the stock has rebound off oversold levels. This stock got so oversold that its relative strength index reading recently dipped below 20. Shares of DXM are now starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade. That trade will hit if DXM manages to take out its 200-day moving average at $11.61 with high volume.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in DXM as long as it's trending above some key near-term support levels at $9 or $8.85 and then once it sustains a move or close above Thursday's high at $10.51 and its 200-day at $11.61 with volume that's near or above 280,277 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then DXM will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 50-day moving average of $13.72.

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015: American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (AEL)

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its subsidiaries, operates in the insurance business in 50 states and the District of Columbia. The company underwrites fixed annuities, including fixed index annuities and fixed rate annuities, as well as single premium immediate annuities. It also offers life insurance products comprising traditional ordinary and term, universal life, and other interest-sensitive life insurance products. The company markets its products through a brokerage distribution network of approximately 60 national marketing organizations and approximately 24,000 independent agents. American Equity Investment Life Holding Company was founded in 1995 and is based in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By CRWE]

    American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE:AEL), a leading underwriter of index and fixed rate annuities, reported that Wendy C. Waugaman, Chief Executive Officer and President, will take a medical leave of absence, effective immediately. She will remain on American Equity�� Board of Directors and will participate in certain management and strategic discussions as her health permits.

  • [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 Louis Navellier]

    American Equity Life (AEL) specializes in fixed-rate and index annuities, and business has been booming as cautious investors and savers look for places to put their money. The company has posted four consecutive positive earnings surprises, causing analysts to raise their estimates for 2014 in the past few months. The shares are still cheap when viewed thought the lenses of the P/E ratio, but more importantly, AEL has the type of solid fundamentals and investor demand that signify a potential winning stock. Shares of American Equity were upgraded to an ����grade back in August, and AEL remains a ��trong buy.��/p>

Top 10 Quality Companies To Own For 2015: Network Exploration Ltd (NET)

Network Exploration Ltd. is an exploration and development-stage company. The Company�� principal business activities include the exploration of minerals in its mineral properties. It focuses on base and precious metal properties in North and South America. Its activities include the process of exploring its mineral properties, reviewing and subsequently acquiring mineral properties and conducting exploration programs to determine whether these properties contain ore reserves that are recoverable. The Picha copper-silver project is located within the Tertiary Volcanic Arc of Southern Peru. The Pistala project is located east of the NW-SE trending Incapquio fault system in the Department of Tacna, Southern Peru. The Company is in the business of mineral exploration in Canada, Chile and Peru. Network Exploration Chile Limitada is its wholly owned subsidiary. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Damian Illia]

    Although the company is overly relying on Afrezza, there is to say that MannKind has inked some deals in the recent past. These were primarily aimed to furthering its pipeline development but with less risk and with less research and development expenditure directly for the firm. In November, 2012 it signed a license agreement with Colby Pharmaceutical Company granting the latter exclusive rights to its early stage cancer program. Currently, the firm is also looking for partners regarding Afrezza. Last year in July, it entered one with Deerfield that ensured financing worth $160 million for MannKind. Also, in October 2012, the company raised $86 million (net) through the issuance of shares and has almost $120 million left under its credit facility. This has removed some concerned about a financial crisis in the company, although it hasn't done so throughly.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Hot Income Stocks To Invest In 2016

Hot Income Stocks To Invest In 2016: Heineken NV (HEINY)

Heineken N.V. (Heineken), incorporated on January 27, 1873, is a beer brewer with brands available in 178 countries worldwide with operations in 71 countries. Heineken owns, markets and sells more than 250 of the brands. The Company's principal global brand is Heineken is the international premium beer brand. Other international premium, regional, local and specialty beers include Amstel, Birra Moretti, Cruzcampo, Desperados, Dos Equis, Foster's, Newcastle Brown Ale, Ochota, Primus, Sagres, Sol, Star, Tecate, Zlaty Bazant and Zywiec. Its joint venture brands include Anchor, Cristal, Kingfisher and Tiger. In addition, its global portfolio include Heineken is the cider maker with brands, such as Strongbow Gold and Bulmer's. It has a global network of distributors and 140 breweries. Heineken operates in six segments: Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, The Americas, Africa and the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Head Office and Other/eliminations. On December 2, 2 011, Heineken acquired the Galaxy Pub Estate (Galaxy) in the United Kingdom from The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). In January 2013, it acquired remaining 18.4% interest in Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd.

During year ended 31 December 2011, Heineken disposed of 25% of its 100% interest in Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL). In January 2011, the Company acquired two Nigerian holding companies from the Sona Group. The two acquired businesses have controlling interests in each of the Sona, IBBI, Benue, Life and Champion breweries in Nigeria. The acquisition provided the Company with an additional technical capacity of 3.7 million hectoliters. During 2011, HEINEKEN acquired five new breweries in Nigeria and two new breweries in Ethiopia. On January 12, 2011, Heineken acquired two holding companies, which together own the Sona brewery group from Lewiston Investments SA. On August ! 11, 2011, Heineken acquired two breweries named Bedele and Harar from the government of the F ederal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Wester! n Europe

Heineken has operating companies in 10 countries, which include Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Finland, France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. The Company owns and operates 25 breweries, five non-brewing production sites and two malteries. In Belgium its brands include Maes, Grimbergen, Cristal, Mort Subite, Ciney, Affligem, Judas, Hapkin, Brugs, Postel, Desperados and Heineken. In Finland, its brands include Lapin Kulta, Karjala, Foster's, Heineken, 1836 Classic Gourmet, Jaffa, Pepsi, Novelle, Original Long Drink and Upcider. In France its brands include Heineken, Pelforth, Desperados, Affligem, Fischer tradition, '33' Export, Panach', Adelscott, Amstel, Georges Killians and Murphy's Irish Stout. In Ireland its brands include Heineken, Amstel, Coors Light, Desperados, Tiger, Sol, Murphy's Irish Stout, Beamish Stout, Foster's, Paulaner, Birra Moretti, Z.ywiec and Affligem.

In Italy the Company's brands include Birra Moretti, Heineken, Dreher, Ichnusa, Classica von Wunster, Birra Messina, Prinz Brau, Sans Souci, Amstel, Fischer and Strongbow. In Netherlands its brands include Heineken, Amstel, Wieckse Witte, Jillz, Strongbow, Desperados, Lingen's Blond, Murphy's Irish Red Brand Crystal Clear, Royal Club, Sisi, Sourcy, Vitamin Water, Pepsi, 7-Up and Rivella. In Portugal, its brands Sagres, Luso, Cruzeiro, Cergal, Imperial, Heineken, Foster's, Jansen, Sao Jorge and Bulmer. In Spain its brands include Cruzcampo, Amstel, Heineken, Shandy, Paulaner, Guinness, Latino, Foster's, Legado de Yuste, Maes, John Smith, Judas, Mort Subite and Newcastle. In Switzerland its brands include Heineken, Eichhof, Calanda, Desperados, Ittinger, Haldengut, Ziegelhof, Erdinger, Clausthaler and Amstel. In the United Kingdom its brands Foster's, Strongbow, John Smith's, Kronenbourg, ! Bulmers, ! Heineken, Newcastle Brown Ale, Amstel, Sol, Woodpecker, Tiger, Jacques and Deuchars IPA.

Central and Eastern Europe

Heineken! has a pr! oduct portfolio of over 180 brands. The Company owns more than 60 breweries and has operating companies in 14 countries, which include Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Slovakia. In Austria its brands include Heineken, Zipfer, Gosser, Puntigamer, Desperados, Edelweiss, Schlossgold, Kaiser, Schwechater, Wieselburger, Reininghaus and Schladminger. In Belarus its brands include Heineken, Zlaty Bazant, Rechitskoe, Bobrov, Gosser, Doctor Diesel and Dneprovska. In Bulgaria its brands include Heineken, Zagorka, Desperados, Ariana, Amstel, Stolichno, Starobrno and Kaiser. In Croatia its brands include Heineken, Karlovacko, Desperados and Edelweiss. In Czech Republic its brands include Heineken, Krusovice, Starobrno, Zlatopramen, Breznak, Frij, Zlaty Bazant, Hostan, Cerveny Dark and Baron Trenck.

In Germany the Company's brands include Paulaner Weissbier, Paulaner, H acker-Pschorr, Thurn & Taxis, Auer, Hopf Weisse, Kulmbacher, Monchshof, EKU, Kapuziner, Sternquell, Braustolz, Scherdel, Wurzburger Hofbrau, Keiler, Furstenberg, Riegeler, Hoepfner, Grape, Schmucker. In Greece its brands include Heineken, Amstel, Alfa, Fischer, Sol, Buckler, McFarland, Murphy's Irish Stout, BIOS 5 and IOLI. In Hungary its brands include Heineken, Gosser, Soproni Aszok, Amstel, Kaiser, Zlaty Bazant, Edelweiss, Schlossgold, Steffl, Adambrau and Buckler. In Kazakhstan its brands include Heineken, Tian Shan, Efes, Beliy Medved, Stary Melnik, Sokol and Gold Mine. In Macedonia its brands include Heineken, Amstel, Skopsko and Gorsko.

In Poland the Company's brands include Heineken, Desperados, Z ywiec, Warka, Tatra, Strong, Special, Krolewskie and Lezajsk. In Romania its brands include Heineken, Ciuc, GoldenBrau, Silva, Bucegi, Neumarkt, Gam! brinus, H! orgita, Hatigana, Desperados and Edelweiss. In Russia its brands include Heineken, Amstel, Bochkare v, Ochota, Zlaty Bazant, Guinness, Buckler, Stepan Razin, PI! T, Edelwe! iss, Doctor Diesel, Tri Medvedya, Gosser, Amur-Pivo, Zhigulevskoye, Patra, Strelets, Bereg Baikala, Okskoye, Rusich, Volnaya Sibir, Sedoy Ural, Shikhan, Ostmark and Kenigsberg. In Serbia its brands include Heineken, MB, Master, Amstel PilsPlus, Efes and Zajecarsko. In Slovakia its brands include Heineken, Zlaty Bazant, Corgon, Kelt, Starobrno, Gemer and Martiner.

Africa and the Middle East

Heineken operations include 20 countries, 34 breweries (consolidated), 12 breweries (managed), three soft drink plants, three malteries, two packaging plants, two wineries, one distillery and one extract plant. The Company exports to more than 50 countries, including its operating companies and joint ventures. In Algeria its brands include Tango, Samba, Fiesta, Heineken and Amstel. In Burundi its brands include Amstel, Primus and Heineken. In Cameroon its brands include Amstel, Mutzig and Heineken. In Congo its brands include Guinness, Maltina, Mutzig, Ngok, Primu s, Turbo King and Heineken. In Democratic Republic of Congo its brands include Maltina, Mutzig, Primus, Turbo King, Legend, Heineken and Amstel. In Egypt its brands include Heineken, Birell, Fayrouz, Meister Max, Sakara, Stella, Amstel Zero and Luxor. In Ethiopia its brands include Bedele and Harar. In Ghana its brands include Amstel Malta, Guinness, Gulder, Star, Malta and Heineken.

In Israel the Company's brands include Heineken, GoldStar, Maccabi, Nesher Malt and Newcastle Brown Ale. In Jordan its brands include Amstel and Heineken. In Lebanon its brands include Almaza, Laziza, Amstel and Heineken. In Morocco its brands include Heineken and Fayro. In Namibia its brands include Heineken, Guinness, Windhoek, Amstel and Tafel. In Nigeria its brands include Heineken, Amstel Malta, Gulder, Legend, Maltina, Star, Fayrouz, Life Continental Lager, ! Goldberg ! Lager, Malta Gold '33' Export, Hi-malt, Maltex, Turbo King, More Lager, Williams and Champion Lager. In R eunion its brands include Bourbon, Dynamalt and Heineken. In! Rwanda i! ts brands include Amstel, Guinness, Mutzig, Primus, Turbo King and Heineken. In Sierra Leone its brands include Heineken, Guinness, Maltina and Star. In South Africa its brands include Heineken, Amstel, Windhoek, Strongbow and Guinness. In Tunisia its brands include Heineken, Golden Brau, Fayrouz, Bravo and Sahara.

The Americas

Heineken Americas operates 20 majority-owned breweries and seven joint venture breweries, a maltery and a distillery in the region, as well as producing soft drinks in some markets. In Argentina its brands include Heineken, Budweiser, Paulaner, Birra Moretti, Guinness, Corona, Negra Modelo, Salta, Santa Fe, Cordoba, Kunstmann, Palermo, Biecker, Schneider, Imperial and Otro Mundo. In Bahamas its brands include Heineken, Guinness, Kalik and Vitamalt. In Brazil its brands include Kaiser, Bavaria, Sol, Summer Draft, Gold, Heineken, Kaiser Bock, Xingu, Dos Equis, Amstel Pulse, Birra Moretti, Edelweiss, Murphy's and Santa Cerva. In Chile its brands include Heineken, Cristal, Escudo, Royal and Kunstmann. In Costa Rica its brands include Heineken, Bavaria, Imperial, Pilsen and Rock Ice. In Dominican Republic its brands include Presidente. In Haiti its brands include Guinness, Malta and Prestige.

In Jamaica the Company's brands include Heineken, Dragon Stout, Guinness and Red Stripe. In Martinique its brands include Heineken, Lorraine, Malta and Porter. In Mexico its brands include Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis, Bohemia and Coors. Light, Indio, Carta Blanca, Superior, Kloster, Noche Buena and Soul Citric. In Nicaragua its brands include Heineken, Bufalo, Tona and Victoria. In Panama its brands include Heineken, Crystal, Guinness, Panama, Soberana and Budweiser. In St. Lucia its brands include Heineken, Guinness and Piton. In Suriname its brands include Heineken! and Parb! o. In Trinidad its brands include Carib, Stag and Guinness.

Asia Pacific

Heineken operates a part of the region through joint ventures. These include S! ingapore-! listed Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) and India-listed United Breweries Limited (UBL). APB is the Company's primary investment vehicle in Asia Pacific with 23 breweries in 14 countries. UBL is in India and has 18 breweries. In Cambodia its brands include ABC Extra Stout, Anchor, Gold Crown and Tiger. In China its brands include Heineken, Reeb, Tiger, Anchor, Aoke, Tiger Crystal, Sol, Strongbow and Murphy's Irish Red. In India its brands include Heineken, Cannon 10000, Arlem, Baron's Strong Brew, Kingfisher, Kalyani and UB. In Indonesia its brands include Heineken, Bintang, Guinness, Bintang Zero and Green Sands. In Laos its brands include Tiger, Namkong, ABC Stout and Heineken. In Malaysia its brands include Heineken, Anchor, Baron's, Guinness, Strongbow, Kilkenny, Tiger, Lion, Malta and Angli. In Mongolia its brands include Tiger and Sengur. In New Caledonia its brands include Heineken, Number One, Desperados, Havannah and Hinano.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Who knew that consolidation speculation in the beer industry could be sung to the tune of the Butthole Surfers’ “Pepper.” SABMiller (SBMRY) wants to buy Heineken (HEINY). Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) might want to buy SABMiller. And Molson Coors Brewing (TAP) might scoop up the leftovers.

  • [By Charles Sizemore]

    I've never been a big fan of STZ stock, as the economics of the wine business are much less attractive than those of beer and spirits. Wineries have far less brand value than beer brewers and liquor distillers and tend to have lower margins. In February of last year, I recommended that readers steer clear of STZ stock and instead focus on Dutch megabrewer Heineken (HEINY).

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http:! //www.topstocksblog.com/hot-income-stocks-to-invest-in-2016.html

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

5 Best International Stocks To Watch For 2015

Our top pick for 2014 was founded in 1910, and has been at the forefront of the constantly changing area of high technology ever since, says Russ Kaplan, editor of the Heartland Advisor.

Our pick is the well-known blue chip company International Business Machines (IBM). Technology has changed drastically since 1910, and IBM has always risen to a challenge, which, over the years, has left many high tech companies in the dust.

I've been following IBM since the early 1980s, and it's gone through periods when Wall Street analysts have been skeptical of its future. Today is one of those times, providing you with an excellent buying opportunity.

The skepticism comes from the supposed inability to react to such developments as the progression from typewriters to computers, and from mainframes to personal computers.

After that, IBM got out of the personal computer business, which had become a commodity with low prices, to a service company. It sold its computer manufacturing business to Lenovo (LNVGF).

Top 5 Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Invest In 2016: ITC Holdings Corp. (ITC)

ITC Holdings Corp., through its subsidiaries, engages in the transmission of electricity in the United States. The company operates as conduits, allowing for power from generators to be transmitted to local distribution systems either entirely through its own systems or in conjunction with neighboring transmission systems. Its operations include asset planning; engineering, design, and construction; maintenance; and real time operations. ITC Holdings serves investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, power marketers, and alternative energy suppliers. The company was founded in 2001 and is based in Novi, Michigan.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Now don’t misunderstand. Gordon isn’t telling investors to avoid all regulated utilities. He has some favorites, including American Electric Power (AEP), Dominion Resources (D), ITC Holdings (ITC), Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) and Westar Energy (WR).

  • [By Rajhkumar K Shaaw]

    India�� S&P BSE Sensex declined for a third week as concerns the rupee will weaken further offset bullish recommendations from CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets and Credit Suisse Group AG. Tata Motors Ltd. (TTMT) slid 2.4 percent, while Cigarette maker ITC Ltd. (ITC) dropped to the lowest in 11 weeks.

  • [By Rajhkumar K Shaaw]

    India�� S&P BSE Sensex ended three weeks of gains as Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., the largest maker of power equipment, slumped to a one-month low. ITC Ltd. (ITC), India�� biggest tobacco company, slid after its sales trailed estimates.

5 Best International Stocks To Watch For 2015: Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc (FCS)

Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. (Fairchild) focuses on developing, manufacturing and selling power analog, power discrete and certain non-power semiconductor solutions to a range of end market customers. The Company is a supplier of power analog products, power discrete products and energy-efficient solutions, according to iSuppli. Its products are used in a range of electronic applications, including sophisticated computers and Internet hardware; communications, including wireless phones; networking and storage equipment; industrial power supply and instrumentation equipment; consumer electronics, such as digital cameras, displays, audio/video devices and household appliances, and automotive applications.

The Company�� product groups are organized by the end markets, which include Mobile, Computing, Consumer and Communication (MCCC), Power Conversion, Industrial and Automotive (PCIA) and Standard Discrete and Standard Linear (SDT). It invested in the wafer fabrication power semiconductor technology, including low and mid voltage PowerTrench, advanced insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), as well as advanced high power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET) fabrication technologies.

Mobile, Computing, Consumer and Communication (MCCC)

The Company designs, manufactures and markets high-performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits, low voltage power MOSFETs for mobile, consumer, computing, and communication applications. It has a portfolio of PowerTrench technology products. Its analog and mixed signal products are focused on the mobile end- markets.

Analog products monitor, interpret, and control continuously variable functions, such as light, color, sound, and energy. It forms the interface with the digital world. It provides a range of analog products that perform such tasks as voltage regulation, audio amplification, power and signal switching and system management. Analog voltage regulation circ! uits are used to provide constant voltages, as well as step up or step down voltage levels on a circuit board. These products enable improvements in power efficiency, lighting management, and improve charge times in ultraportable products. These products are used in a variety of mobile, computing, communications and consumer applications.

In addition to the power analog and interface products, it also offers signal path products. These include analog and digital switches, universal serial bus (USB) switches, video filters and high performance audio amplifiers. The analog switch functions are typically found in cellular handsets and other ultra portable applications. The video products provide a single chip solution to video filtering and amplification. Video filtering applications include set top boxes and digital television. Its solutions include surface mount devices, tiny packages, chip scale packages, and leadless carriers.

The Company also design, manufacture and market power semiconductor solutions for computing, communications, mobile, consumer and industrial applications. Power semiconductor solutions include, power discrete MOSFETs, analog integrated circuits, and fully integrated multi-chip and monolithic power solutions. Its power MOSFETs are primarily used in power delivery and power control applications. Power delivery and control applications are ubiquitous across data consumption, processing and communication applications. It produces advanced low power MOSFETs under its PowerTrench brands. The advanced power MOSFETs applications are used in smartphones, tablets, notebook personal computer, high performance gaming, home entertainment systems, servers, data communication, and routers.

The Company competes with Analog Devices, Inc., Linear Technology Corporation, Maxim Integrated Product, Inc., Micrel Inc, ON Semiconductor Corporation, ST Microelectronics N.V., Intersil Corporation, International Rectifier Corporation, Infineon Technologies AG and T! exas Inst! ruments Incorporated.

Power Conversion, Industrial and Automotive (PCIA)

Fairchild design, manufacture and market power discrete semiconductors, analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (ICs) for broad power conversion/power management, industrial, and automotive applications. Its products are building blocks that help convert a semi-regulated energy source (alternating current (AC)or direct current (DC)) to a regulated output for electronic systems (AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC conversion). Its discrete devices are individual diodes or transistors that perform power switching, power conditioning and signal amplification functions in electronic circuits. The Company�� analog and mixed signal integrated circuits (IC) are used to control discrete semiconductors in applications, such as power switching, conditioning, signal amplification, power distribution and power consumption. It manufacture discrete products using vertical DMOS MOSFETs, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT), Bipolar, and ultrafast rectifier technologies. It manufacture analog and mixed signal ICs using a range of bipolar (Bi), complementary metal oxide (CMOS), BiCMOS, and bipolar/CMOS/DMOS (BCDMOS) processes up to 1,200 volts and down to 0.35um (microns) minimum geometry.

Power MOSFETs are used in applications to switch, shape or transfer energy. These products are used in a range of high-growth applications, including solar inverters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), data centers and communications, motors, lighting, automotive, computing, displays and industrial supplies. It produce advanced power MOSFETs under its SupreMOS, SuperFET, PowerTrench, UniFET and QFET brands. IGBTs are high-voltage power discrete devices. They are used in switching applications for solar inverters, uninterruped power supply, data centers and communications, motors, industrial, power supplies, displays, television and automotive ignition systems. These applications require lower switching frequencies, highe! r power, ! and/or higher voltages than a power MOSFET can provide. It is a supplier of IGBTs. Rectifier products work with IGBTs and MOSFETs in many applications to provide power conversion and conditioning. Its product is the STEALTH rectifier, providing industry performance and efficiencies in data communications, industrial power supply, displays, television, and motor applications.

Leveraging its power MOSFET and IGBT technologies, it also design and manufacture modules for the industrial, automotive, and home appliance end markets. It design and develop a line of smart power modules (SPM) products targeted to various end applications in consumer white goods and industrial applications, which include room air conditioners, industrial power supplies, solar inverters, pumps, and industrial motors. These are multi-chip modules containing up to 28 components in a single package that includes diodes, power discrete IGBTs or MOSFETs, high voltage power management driver ICs and current and temperature sensors. Similar modules, called APM, are used in automotive applications.

The Company design and manufacture power management semiconductors for line-powered and off-line powered systems that integrate its Power MOSFETs. It sell and market off-line and isolated DC-DC ICs, MOSFET and IGBT gate driver ICs, and power factor correction ICs to the consumer, computing, display, television, lighting and industrial segments.

The Company competes with Infineon Technologies AG, ST MicroelectronicsN.V., International Rectifier Corporation, Toshiba Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Power Integrations, Inc., ON Semiconductor Corporation, NXP Semiconductors N.V. and Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

Standard Linear and Standard Discrete (SDT)

Standard Diodes and Transistors products cover a range of semiconductor products, including MOSFET, junction field effect transistors (JFETs), high power bipolar, discrete small signal transistors, TVS,! Zeners, ! rectifiers, bridge rectifiers, Schottky devices and diodes. The Company design, manufacture and market analog integrated circuits for computing, consumer, communications, ultra-portable and industrial applications. These products are manufactured using bipolar, CMOS and BiCMOS technologies. Standard Linear solutions range from bipolar regulators, shunt regulators, low drop out regulators, standard op-amp/comparators, low voltage op-amps, and others. Analog voltage regulator circuits are used to provide constant voltages, as well as to step up or step down voltage levels on a circuit board. Op-amps/comparators are designed specifically to operate from a single power supply over a range of voltages. It also offer low-voltage op-amps that provide a combination of low power, rail-to-rail performance, low voltage operation, and tiny package options which are well suited for use in personal electronics equipment. Its solutions include surface mount devices, tiny packages and leadless carriers.

The Company competes with International Rectifier Corporation, Diodes Incorporated, NXP Semiconductors N.V., ST Microelectronics N.V., ON Semiconductor Corporation, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., Vishay Intertechnology, Inc, Osram Opto Semiconductors, OPTEK Technology, OMRON Corporation, Avago Technologies Ltd. and Kodenshi Corp.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Alex Planes]

    Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce were part of the founding team behind Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS  ) in 1957. In 11 years, the two men would forge legendary hardware-engineering careers. They developed the first practical integrated circuits, created the most widely recognized "law" of computing power, and built the chips that helped man land on the moon. But after 11 years, the two chip makers left the plodding Fairchild behind for even greater ambitions. On July 18, 1968, they founded Intel (NASDAQ: INTC  ) , a company that would quickly and vastly eclipse their former employer.

5 Best International Stocks To Watch For 2015: Ishares Ftse Kld 400 Social Index Fund (DSI)

iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares FTSE KLD 400 Social Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index (the Index). The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure the equity performance of the United States companies. The Index consists of approximately 400 companies identified by MSCI from the universe of companies included in the MSCI USA IMI Index, which consists of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ Stock Market LLC listed United States equities. The Fund�� investment advisor is BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA). Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Editor , ETFChannel.com]

    According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, Weyerhaeuser Co. is a member of the iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social Index Fund ETF (DSI), making up 0.25% of the underlying holdings of the fund, which owns $861,262 worth of WY shares.

  • [By Jim Jubak]

    Efficiency measures at Schlumberger have included faster maintenance, better transportation set ups, and increases in asset turns. The company reduced Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)—a measure of how long it takes to get paid after a sale—to 91 in the quarter, from 96 in the first quarter of 2013. Days Sales of Inventory (DSI)—a measure of how much inventory a company carries to support its sales activities—fell to 55 days from 57 days. That helped produce operating cash flow of $10 billion for Schlumberger in 2013, a record for the company.

5 Best International Stocks To Watch For 2015: Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund (NPV)

Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc. The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors, Inc. and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Virginia. The fund invests primarily in municipal securities rated Baa/BBB or better. It invests in securities that provide income exempt from federal and Virginia income tax. The fund employs fundamental analysis with bottom-up stock picking approach to create its portfolio. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the S&P National Municipal Bond Index and the S&P Virginia Municipal Bond Index. Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund was formed on January 12, 1993 and is domiciled in the United States.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Chuck Carnevale]

    Moreover, at this point I would like to add that the real meaning of forecasting future earnings is so we can determine what the size and amount of the future cash flows that a stock under consideration might be capable of generating for us. This is important, because assessing the net present value of our expected future income stream, is at the heart of determining fair value (intrinsic value). Calculating net present value (NPV) is functionally-related to today's wide utilization of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis as a stock selection tool. I will elaborate more on this important metric in part B of this article.