Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Five Small Biotech Stocks Analysts Think Will Triple

Over the past two months, mutual funds and hedge funds liquidated momentum stocks, triggering a self-reinforcing selloff. As a result, nearly every single biotech stock has been pushed aggressively lower.  When this happens mispricings occur.  Fund managers take profits even on stocks that have great fundamentals and huge upside.

So, given this sell off, which of those stocks present a great buying opportunity  We ran a screen that looks for the best biotech stocks with the most upside potential.

First, we look for companies with a market capitalization greater than $200 million.  For the second level of the screen, the companies must have more than three analysts covering the stock.  Third, there has to be more than three analysts that have a price target on the stock.  Finally, we want to find stocks that are trading at a huge discount to analyst consensus price targets.

In running this screen for the first of May, the following five stocks have hit our radar as potential home runs.  These stocks have an average analyst price target that is at least 200% higher than its current share price.

1) Arrowhead Research Arrowhead Research Corp (ARWR) has a current share price $10.80.  The consensus analyst target price is $45.  That gives us a "street projected return" of 316%.

2) ChemoCentryx ChemoCentryx, Inc. (CCXI) has a current share price $5.44. The consensus analyst target price is $20. That gives us a "street projected return" of 267%.

3) Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. (ZIOP) has a current share price $3.50. The consensus analyst target price is $11. That gives us a "street projected return" of 214%.

4) TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (TXMD) has a current share price $4.20. The consensus analyst target price is $13. That gives us a "street projected return" of 209%.

5) Dynavax Technologies Dynavax Technologies Corporation (DVAX) has a current share price of $1.62. The consensus analyst target price is $5. That gives us a "street projected return" of 208%.

Bryan Rich is co-founder of BillionairesPortfolio.com and CEO of Logic Fund Management, Inc.

Triple Crown Billionaires

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Twitter sinks as user growth underwhelms

twitter 2014

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Investors are starting to lose patience with Twitter.

Shares sank nearly 9% in after-hours trading Tuesday following uninspiring first-quarter results from the social-media company.

Twitter's active-user base is still growing, hitting 255 million as of last month. But that was only a 6% increase from the previous quarter -- not the breakneck pace that investors have come to expect from young social media companies.

Twitter (TWTR) booked $250 million in sales for the first quarter, but it still wasn't profitable, losing $132 million. Both revenue and Twitter's quarterly loss managed to beat Wall Street analysts' forecasts.

But Twitter's outlook wasn't much to be excited about: The company expects sales to rise only modestly to between $270 million and $280 million in the current quarter. That's in line with analysts' expectations, but investors were clearly hoping for more.

Twitter has been one of the biggest losers in this year's downturn for tech stocks, falling over 30% since the start of 2014. It is the second-worst performer in CNNMoney's Tech 30 index.

The stock surged over 70% on during its debut on the New York Stock exchange in November to $44.90, but was down to $43.03 as of Tuesday's close. To top of page

Monday, April 28, 2014

Best Performing Stocks To Buy For 2014

Best Performing Stocks To Buy For 2014: The Advisory Board Company(ABCO)

The Advisory Board Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of best practices research and analysis, business intelligence and software tools, and management and advisory services primarily in the United States. The company offers various programs and services, including best practices research services that focus on identifying best-demonstrated management practices, critiquing widely-followed but ineffective practices, and analyzing emerging trends in the health care and education industries; business intelligence and software tools, which allow members to pair their own operational data with the best practices insights; and management and advisory services programs for assisting member institutions to adopt and implement best practices to enhance performance. As of June 30, 2011, it provided 51 distinct membership programs to hospitals, health systems, colleges, universities, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, health care insurers, medical de vice and supply companies, and other educational institutions. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Advisory Board (Nasdaq: ABCO  ) is expected to report Q4 earnings on May 9. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

    The 10-second takeaway
    Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Advisory Board's revenues will grow 17.4% and EPS will grow 21.7%.

  • [By Jeremy Bowman]

    What: Shares of The Advisory Board Company (NASDAQ: ABCO  ) were up as much as 12% today, after the consulting firm beat top and bottom-line estimates in its quarterly report.

  • source from Top Stocks Blog:http://ww! w.topstocksblog.com/best-performing-stocks-to-buy-for-2014-2.html

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Is Your Connected Car Obsolete Before You Buy It?

The Connected Car Conference -- or C3, if you wish to get your geek on -- was a big hit at CE Week in New York City. Thanks largely to navigation and entertainment apps on Apple and Google smartphones, it's easy to marvel at how far we've come in bringing our outside world inside our vehicle. But C3 also concentrated on the future, and what automakers and their partners are doing to increase your car's usefulness and safety.

Our roving reporter Rex Moore talked with General Motors' (NYSE: GM  ) chief technology officer Tim Nixon at the conference. His Chevrolet MyLink system offers Pandora and Sirius XM for entertainment, a BringGo navigation system that runs from your smartphone so your maps are never out-of-date, and Apple's Siri Eyes Free, which allows you to interact with Siri without having to view the screen. In fact, the screen won't even light up while your car is in motion.

Still, advances in consumer electronics far outpace the product cycle of a car, which could be obsolete by the time it hits the showroom floor. In the video below, Tim talks about how his company addresses these concerns.

It's incredible to think just how much of our digital and technological lives are almost entirely shaped and molded by just a handful of companies. Find out "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" in The Motley Fool's latest free report, which details the knock-down, drag-out battle being waged by the five kings of tech. Click here to keep reading.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Supervalu Should Now Look Valuable Enough

10 Best Restaurant Stocks To Own Right Now

The growing popularity of dollar stores and mass market retailers has affected the existence of traditional grocery stores. For example, dollar stores such as Dollar General provided most of the products at the lowest possible prices, which forced cash strapped customers to move from other grocers to such dollar stores. In fact, strategies such as providing items for $1 or less have been significant to its growth.

However, grocer Supervalu (SVU) made significant efforts to combat competition and stage a comeback. Its recently reported fourth quarter results surprised the investors as it beat analysts' expectations.

The earnings beat

Revenue climbed 1.4% to $3.95 billion, over year-ago quarter. The top line was driven by higher demand for its products as well as a rise in store traffic. In fact, Supervalu's same store sales grew 2.1% during the quarter for its Save-A-Lot store network. Also, corporate stores witnessed identical store sales growth of 3.5%.

The retailer performed well not only on the top line, but also on the bottom line. Its earnings jumped to $0.18 per share, as against loss in the prior year's quarter. This increase in bottom line came in mainly due to cost reduction strategies undertaken by the company.

Existing strengths

The grocer's biggest strength is its network of Save-a-Lot stores which concentrates on providing competitive prices to entice customers. It adopted the "fair price promotion strategy" last year which is helping the retailer to overcome competitive pressures.

Also, "fresh from farm" department is doing well since customers have become health conscious and look for fresh products instead of stored ones.

Moreover, Supervalu's restructuring efforts have been commendable. It discontinued five of its business units last year in order to remain focussed on its profitable Save-A-Lot segment. Additionally, the company cut 1,100 jobs last year, which helped in controlling costs and increase profits.

The future

Since Supervalu has been able to revive its business, it now plans to expand its presence. It plans to open 65 new stores during this year. Hence, Supervalu stores will be available for customers' every need.

The grocer has changed store layouts as well as improved its merchandise sets at its Save-A-Lot stores. It has adopted horizontal merchandising sets and has displayed value investments in such a way that it is noticeable to customers.

Further, the company plans to introduce the new coupon-to-card program which enables Supervalu customers to download and get access to their coupons through their phones. Therefore, it makes it easier for customers to access digital coupons as well as link it to their card.

Conclusion

Customers will always be calculative about their spending. Hence, offering lower price for basic goods is a good strategy to attract customers. Supervalu has been able to implement this strategy at the right time, enabling it to stage a comeback. With the efforts of reducing costs and attracting people through various promotional efforts, the grocer should be able to fare well. Moreover, it plans to expand its store network in the current year. However, it faces stiff competition from dollar stores and other big box retailers. Therefore, one should wait till the time is right to get into this growing company.

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Friday, April 25, 2014

Boeing's KC-46 Tanker May Be Taking to the Skies Earlier Than You Think

Boeing (NYSE: BA  ) shareholders, rejoice! After a major design review in early July, Boeing's KC-46 Tanker looks like it's not only on schedule, but actually ahead of schedule. This is especially good news considering that during the development phase, cost overruns on the tanker soared to approximately $700 million -- for which Boeing is responsible. But with this latest review, Boeing may be set to move on to production. Here's what you need to know.

The KC-46A will replace the aging KC-135, seen here. Image: U.S. Air Force, via Wikimedia Commons. 

Good news
The final report for the Critical Design Review, or CDR, hasn't been released, but following the review Boeing released a statement stating: "Boeing believes the review went well and initial feedback from our customer has been positive. Final approval by the USAF is anticipated in the near future." 

Top 5 Services Stocks To Watch Right Now

If Boeing does get CDR approval, it'll be able to move onto tanker production, something Boeing and the Air Force eagerly anticipate. More good news? Boeing is scheduled to deliver the first 18 out of 179 tankers in 2017. But Boeing has said that if there aren't major issues reveal in the CDR, it expects to deliver the first completed tanker by the end of 2016.  

Considering the Air Force has said the KC-46 tanker is its No. 1 modernization priority as it replaces the aging KC-135, this may be especially good news for Boeing's reputation, which in the past hasn't fared as well. 

Major profits ahead
With a price tag of $52 billion, the KC tanker contract is one of the Pentagon's largest weapons initiatives. Further, some analysts estimate that with future parts and maintenance, the contract worth could climb to $100 billion. This is great news for Boeing, but it's also great news for its subcontractors on the project -- Honeywell International  (NYSE: HON  ) is supplying the auxiliary power unit and cabin pressure control unit, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC  ) is supplying Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, United Technologies' (NYSE: UTX  ) subsidiary Pratt & Whitney is supplying the engines, Rockwell Collins  (NYSE: COL  ) is supplying the integrated display system, and Raytheon is supplying the digital radar-warning receiver. All in all, this is a major initiative for defense contractors, and good news for Boeing is good news for all. 

The news regarding Boeing's CDR is certainly welcome, but there's still a lot to do before the tanker makes it to flight status. Still, so far Boeing has done an admirable job with the KC-46 tanker. Let's hope it keeps it up, because with $100 billion riding on the line, this is definitely something that could affect Boeing's stock.

Boeing's future profits look promising, and right now may be a great to to buy. However, there are some things to consider before purchasing its stock. A recent Motley Fool report, "3 Strong Buys for a Global Economic Recovery," outlines three companies, including Boeing, that could take off when the global economy gains steam. Click here to read the free full report!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Health insurance sites face glitches, crashes

WASHINGTON — Several state- and federal government-run health insurance marketplaces opened Tuesday with glitches, delays and even crashes, marring the launch of the centerpiece of President Obama's health care law.

Some of the delays were due to high volume. President Obama said in a White House conference that more 1 million people tried to use the sites before they officially opened at 8 a.m. ET.

The exchanges are the critical part of the Affordable Care Act's requirement that uninsured Americans buy health insurance. They opened Tuesday for business and the open-enrollment period for insurance customers will last until March 31.

"Like every new law, every new product signup, there are going to be some glitches that we will fix," Obama said.

Those glitches frustrated potential insurance customers around the country, such as John Sanders, of Kaukauna, Wis. He said he signed up on the exchange website three weeks ago but hit snags Tuesday.

Sanders called the system's launch "reckless at best. I will not accept the 'heavy traffic' argument. What else would be expected on the national launch date?"

He and others faced many of the same problems online shoppers often do on the busy Monday after Thanksgiving known as Cyber Monday or like the launch of a new retail site.

State and federal governments had no idea what to expect in terms of traffic, said retail technology expert Peggy Pulliam. She sayid retailers will stress or "load test" their sites simulating a surge of traffic ahead of big shopping days.

"If any simulation they ran for the stress test didn't reflect actual user behavior on that site today, they may have not found the vulnerabilities." said Pulliam, vice president of services for retail technology company Micros. "It's harder to load test a brand new system because you don't know how people are going to browse and shop the site."

Federal site an early bottleneck

Many problems centered on the federal government's HealthCare.gov si! te, the portal through which many Americans will go to sites geared to their states. The site is handling exchanges for 34 states that defaulted to the federal government for at least the first year.

Consumers around the country frequently got messages telling them to come back later or endured long delays in connecting to the sites.

Bruce Brian, a self-employed real state broker from Greenwood, Ind., said he tried logging into HealthCare.gov and got a computer message: "Your account couldn't be created at this time. The system is unavailable."

"You would just think that with all this time they've had to get it set up and ready to go, they would have been a better premiere," Brian said.

Other potential customers, such as Nicole Argall of Appleton, Wis., were more relaxed. She called the initial difficulties minor given the benefits of having the new coverage.

"I had some trouble with the security question portion, but I'll try again later or tomorrow," Argall said Tuesday. "My husband and I are both self-employed and we've had issues with pre-existing conditions and being rejected in the past. I think a lot of people with employee-sponsored insurance don't understand that there are lots of people like us that make a good living, but are self-employed."

Much of the glitches could be caused by the interest in the site, according to Joel Ario, formerly the director of the Office of Health Insurance Exchanges at the Department of Health and Human Services and now a managing director at Manatt Health Solutions.

Ario compared the politics surrounding Tuesday's launch to a football game between the left and the right.

"This day has gotten a lot more attention than anyone anticipated," he said. "I'm not eligible for the exchange, but I've been on the site. There are going to be reporters. I've seen a lot of people come across my screen saying, 'Check out this state.'"

In the social media universe, there are thousands of people who don't need insurance postin! g about t! he glitches they encountered when they visited the federal site. And, for those who do actually need insurance, Ario said it takes a few hits to actually purchase it.

"It's a surprisingly high number to me," Ario said of the millions of hits reported so far. "I think it all goes to that notion that this is supposed to be a six-month gradual process."

In fact, he said the number of people who actually buy insurance Tuesday could say a lot more than the number of people who check the site out of curiosity.

"Even when people are frustrated they remain enthusiastic and interested."

As he vowed he would be, the Rev. Donald Morton, pastor of Perfected Life Church in Wilmington, Del., was first in line Tuesday morning at Brandywine Women's Health Association to enroll in Obamacare.

Morton, though, and thousands of others nationwide, may need the patience of Job for a while – especially on this first day of open enrollment.

For hours, eager enrollees and their guides got hung up somewhere in the "create an account" process or saw a message that said: "Please wait. We have a lot of visitors on our site right now and we're working to make your experience here better. Please wait here until we send you to the login page. Thanks for your patience!"

Morton said he and others have been waiting a long time for health care. A little longer wouldn't hurt.

"I'm one of the most vulnerable," Morton said, "a black male with a pre-existing condition."

Lisa Oglesby, who directs Brandywine's team of certified marketplace guides, said it probably was a good sign that the system was overwhelmed. It shows the pent-up demand for such coverage, she said.

Those who don't get through Tuesday can rest easy. There are six more months to get through. If you want coverage to start Jan. 1, be sure to enroll by Dec. 15. Otherwise enrollment for 2014 remains open through March.

Minnesota residents were told they had to wait until sometime in the afternoon to use Minnesota's! new onli! ne marketplace for health insurance, the head of the state-run exchange said Monday.

April Todd-Malmlov, executive director of MNsure, said officials want to make sure the system connects properly with federal computer systems and it's secure before it goes live for consumers. MNsure officials had been saying for months they expected consumers could start signing up at the start of the business day Tuesday.

In Dearborn, Mich., long lines formed early in the day at the Access, a non-profit social service agency that is helping people navigate the new law, after the signup website stopped functioning.

Rick Murdock, of the Michigan Association of Health Plans which represents Michigan insurers, said technical glitches aren't unexpected. "That will take care of itself," he said of the website delays. He said he doesn't expect a high number of enrollees the first few days of the six-month enrollment period because consumers will, and should, take their time to comparison shop and weigh their choices.

Just after the Detroit-based Thea Bowman Community Health Center opened at 8 a.m., a patient in for a regular check-up at 9:30 asked about his options on the marketplace, triggering a call from his doctor to Jamie Jackson.

Jackson is one of four community health guides for Advantage Health Centers, which operates several clinics that provide free and low-cost care to the homeless and poor.

Jackson said she wasn't surprised at the call and she was able to discuss options for the patient. Despite plenty of news about federal health reform and the stalemate in Congress, consumers are still working out the details for themselves, she said.

"I don't necessarily think that people will be clamoring to sign up today," Jackson said, "but I do think that the questions will start today."

Around the country

Early reviews from various states were mixed. For example:

• Connecticut. Jason Madrak, the spokesman for the state's exchange, said there were initial bugs b! ut the ex! change had 11,000 visitors and its first customer at 9:30 a.m. and 24 by noon.

"We're off to the races," Madrak said.

• Maryland. The state's marketplace announced a four-hour delay and apologized for the inconvenience. "Thank you for visiting Maryland Health Connection. We are experiencing connectivity issues. Please visit the site again at 12 Noon."

• New York. Traffic apparently overwhelmed its website. Reports on Twitter cited 2 million visitors in the first 90 minutes that nystateofhealth.ny.gov was open for business. A spokesman at the Department of Health at 8:30 a.m. said the site was working fine, but already there were delays, locked screens and error messages. By mid-morning, the site was much slower. While the home page came up on Internet Explorer, Firefox and Chrome web browsers, server error messages were common when clicking on the individual and small business links.

• Mississippi. At 9 a.m., healthcare.gov would not show Mississippi's exchange. Instead, it displayed a message saying visitors would be directed to the login site as soon as traffic allowed. After several minutes, a message appeared saying the system was down. Several attempts to log in yielded the same result.

• Arkansas. The online exchange in Arkansas was moving at a crawl due to heavy trafficl.Mountain Home, Ark., insurance agent Joey Crump said a number of people have approached him seeking help today with insurance needs but he has not been able to get on. "It' been frustrating," Crump said.

• Iowa. Problems there problems went beyond the exchange. Visiting Nurse Services and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland both received federal grants to hire "navigators," who are to help consumers figure out their options on the new online system. Both agencies say they're working to hire and train navigators, and should have them available within a few weeks.

Reporters trying to ask questions about the website were equally out of luck Tuesday. The Chicago-based Department of ! Health an! d Human Services staff bounced back e-mails stating they were furloughed and unable to answer press inquiries due to the federal government shutdown.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said 52% of her staff is working despite the federal shutdown that started at midnight Tuesday.

Contributing: Brian Eason, The Clarion Ledger; Matthew Daneman, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle; Kevin Pieper, The Baxter (Ark.) Bulletin; Jens Manuel Krogstad, Des Moines Register; Nick Penzenstadler. The Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wisc.); Jess Rollins, Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader.


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Delta profit soars despite bad winter

Delta Air Lines reported a net income of $213 million for the January-through-March quarter.

Company stock was cleared for takeoff on the news: Shares climbed 4.3% to $36.46 in morning trading.

Delta said its results were impacted by the season's persistent poor weather, which forced airlines to cancel tens of thousands of flights during the quarter as a series of winter stories snarled airports across large parts of the U.S.

Delta said it alone grounded more than 17,000 flights due to severe weather in January and February, twice the number of flights it cancelled because of weather last year. These cancellations cost the airline $90 million, and lowered its pre-tax income by $55 million.

"The March quarter's record results in the face of unprecedented weather show the strength and resilience of Delta," Delta CEO Richard Anderson said in a statement. "Our work is not finished, and there is great opportunity ahead as we expect the June quarter to produce 14%-16% operating margins. We are transforming Delta into a high-quality S&P 500 company that consistently delivers strong earnings growth and shareholder returns."

Delta Air Lines, whose merger with Northwest Airlines in 2008 has been hailed as one of the more seamless airline tie-ups, has gotten high marks recently for its performance and increasing customer satisfaction.

Earlier this month, the carrier was ranked number four among U.S. carriers in an annual performance survey released by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Wichita State University's W. Frank Barton School of Business.

The researchers noted that while the merger of two major carriers usually leads to declining performance, Delta saw customer complaints and its number of mishandled bags dip last year. And the carrier is holding its own against lower-cost peers who often top customer satisfaction surveys.

For the last quarter of 2013, Delta reported a $558 million profit as it carried more passengers, and reaped higher fares.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Fidelity Slashes Yahoo Stake Ahead of Alibaba IPO

Several Fidelity mutual funds cut their positions in Yahoo Inc.(YHOO) in February, before Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. decided to start the process of listing on a U.S. stock exchange, according to the most recent data provided by Morningstar.

Yahoo owns a 24% stake in the fast-growing Chinese e-commerce giant, accounting for more than half of Yahoo’s market value, analysts have estimated. Much of the run-up in Yahoo’s stock price during CEO Marissa Mayer‘s nearly two-year tenure has been tied to investor excitement about Alibaba’s prospects. An Alibaba IPO, expected later this year, could raise about $15 billion from investors.

Top 5 Chemical Companies To Own In Right Now

Fidelity’s Contrafund sold 4.1 million Yahoo shares from Jan. 31 through Feb. 28, Morningstar data show. The move cut its Yahoo position by 11%. A total of 11 Fidelity funds sold more than 13 million Yahoo shares over that time frame, or a little more than 1% of the company’s total shares outstanding.

A Fidelity spokesman declined comment, saying the fund company doesn’t speak about specific stocks. A Yahoo spokesperson wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Yahoo shares recently dropped 0.2% to $36.32. The stock is up 55% over the past 12 months. It peaked in January at $41.72 before tumbling into the mid $30s in early February. Shares have largely fluctuated between $35 and $40 ever since.

Alibaba said March 16 that it was moving to begin the process of listing on an exchange in New York, in what could be one of the largest Internet initial public offerings in history. In a brief statement posted in its website, Alibaba said a U.S. IPO would “make us a more global company and enhance the company’s transparency.”

Last Wednesday the stock jumped 6.3% after Yahoo reported its revenue, minus commission paid to partners for Web traffic, rose 1% in the first quarter after four straight quarters without growth. Investor optimism was buoyed by better-than-expected results at Alibaba Group. Yahoo said Alibaba’s revenue jumped 66%, a figure that allayed investor concerns about potentially slowing growth at Alibaba.

After getting a glimpse into Alibaba’s quarterly figures, Bernstein Research slapped a $245 billion valuation on the company. Such a figure would make Alibaba the ninth biggest U.S.-listed company in the S&P 500.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015

Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE: SNH) has been an incredible dividend story. For years, it has sent�solid dividends to its shareholders. That dividend yield is now up to a whopping 7.2% or so. The problem is that the stock just hit a 52-week low again on Friday, and the stock is now not that far at all from being at a 2-year low of close to $20.00.

A risk here is that Senior Housing Properties Trust may be losing its focus. Again, maybe.

An analyst downgrade this week prompted this review, but a new acquisition brings yet another reason to question this one. Before you hit the panic button, just keep it in mind that management has been able to navigate through many situations here. Extreme pullbacks have also shown to be great times for new buyers to get optimistic.

The analyst downgrade this week came from UBS, which slashed its rating down to Sell from an already cautious Neutral rating. The price target went down to $19 from $22 as well.

A larger concern is this “lost in translation” issue. This REIT is acquiring 2 biomedical office buildings that are 96% occupied, with a 15-year term with Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTX). Vertex is now worth almost $20 billion and is expected to be profitable in 2015. Senior Housing will almost certainly get an earnings boost from this lease, but there is one small problem here – most investors believe that they are investing in�a company that makes its bread and butter from senior living facilities. Owning biotech leases of healthy large companies is not a bad business; it just changes the focus of the company because this will add about 20% or so in size.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Organovo Holdings Inc (ONVO)

Organovo Holdings, Inc. (Organovo), formerly Real Estate Restoration & Rental, Inc., incorporated in 2007, is a development-stage company. The Company has developed and is commercializing a platform technology for the generation of three-dimensional (3D) human tissues that can be employed in drug discovery and development, biological research, and as therapeutic implants for the treatment of damaged or degenerating tissues and organs. On December 28, 2011, Real Estate Restoration and Rental, Inc.�� (RERR) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which RERR merged with its, wholly owned subsidiary, Organovo (Merger Sub). On February 8, 2012, the Company merged with and into Organovo Acquisition Corp. (Acquisition Corp.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Organovo, with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Organovo Holdings (the Merger). As a result of the Merger, Organovo acquired the business of Organovo, Inc.

The Company has collaborative research agreements with Pfizer, Inc. (Pfizer) and United Therapeutic Corporation (Unither). As of March 31, 2012, it has five federal grants, including Small Business Innovation Research grants and developed the NovoGen MMX Bioprinter (its first-generation 3D bioprinter). The Company is engaged in the development of specific 3D human tissues to aid Pfizer in discovery of therapies in two areas of interest. In addition, in October 2011, it entered into a research agreement with Unither to establish and conduct a research program to discover treatments for pulmonary hypertension using its NovoGen MMX Bioprinter technology. Additionally, under the research agreement with Unither, the Company granted Unither an option to acquire from the Company a worldwide, royalty-bearing license in certain intellectual property created under the research agreement solely for use in the treatment or prevention of pulmonary hypertension and all other lung diseases.

The Company�� NovoGen MMX Bioprinter is an automate! d device that enables the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) living tissues comprised of mammalian cells. A custom graphic user interface (GUI) facilitates the 3D design and execution of scripts that direct precision movement of the dispensing heads to deposit cellular building blocks (bio-ink) or supporting hydrogel. The Company is using a third party manufacturer, Invetech Pty., of Melbourne, Australia, to manufacture its NovoGen MMX Bioprinter. Its bioprinting technology and surrounding intellectual property and commercial rights serve as a platform for product generation across multiple markets that employ cell- and tissue-based products and services.

The Company competes with Organogenesis, Advanced BioHealing, Tengion, Genzyme, HumaCyte and Cytograft Tissue Engineering.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Organovo (ONVO) develops 3D bioprinting technology for creating functional human tissues on demand for research and medical applications. This stock closed up 2.5% to $5.98 in Tuesday's trading session.

    Tuesday's Range: $5.70-$6.07

    52-Week Range: $1.80-$8.50

    Thursday's Volume: 2.03 million

    Three-Month Average Volume: 2.82 million

    From a technical perspective, ONVO jumped higher here right off its 50-day moving average of $5.79 with decent upside volume. This move is starting to push shares of ONVO within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if ONVO manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $6.20 to $6.39 with high volume.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ONVO as long as it's trending above some near-term support levels at $5.50 or at $5 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 2.82 million shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then ONVO will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $7.50 to its 52-week high at $8.50. Any high-volume move above $8.50 will then put its all-time high at $10.90 within range for shares of ONVO.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Impax Laboratories Inc.(IPXL)

Impax Laboratories, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of bioequivalent pharmaceutical products. The company operates in two divisions, Global Pharmaceuticals and Impax Pharmaceuticals. The Global Pharmaceuticals division develops, manufactures, sells, and distributes generic pharmaceutical products. It provides its generic pharmaceutical prescription products directly to wholesalers and retail drug chains; and generic pharmaceutical over-the-counter and prescription products through unrelated third-party pharmaceutical entities. The Impax Pharmaceutical division develops proprietary brand pharmaceutical products that address central nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer?s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson?s disease, and schizophrenia, as well as promotes third-party branded pharmaceutical products. As of May 2, 2011, the com pany marketed 101 generic pharmaceuticals, which represent dosage variations of 29 different pharmaceutical compounds; and another 16 of its generic pharmaceuticals representing dosage variations of 4 different pharmaceutical compounds. It markets and sells its generic pharmaceutical prescription drug products in the continental United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The company has a strategic alliance agreement with Teva Pharmaceuticals Curacao N.V. Impax Laboratories, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Hayward, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Max Macaluso, Ph.D.]

    RLS hasn't been a high-priority target for the pharma industry given the lackluster sales of Requip and Horizant, a third competitor of�UCB's Neupro, and a number of generic alternatives. Impax Laboratories (NASDAQ: IPXL  ) was one of the few developing a new therapy, called IPX159, but Impax put the kibosh on the drug after it failed to meet its primary endpoint in a phase 2b study. According to its latest quarterly report, Impax has no other RLS drugs in development and seems to be focusing on getting its rejected Parkinson's disease drug Rytary back to the FDA for a second chance at approval.

  • [By Keith Speights]

    Impax Laboratories (NASDAQ: IPXL  ) could be watching more closely than Sanofi. The two companies reached a deal last year that allows Impax to begin marketing a generic version of Renvela in 2014. If approved, Zerenex could take away some of the profits that Impax expected to gain.�

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    Impax Laboratories (NASDAQ: IPXL  ) �will soon hand out a raft of pink slips. As part of a move to slice costs, the company has announced a reduction in its headcount by roughly 110 employees. Most of these cuts will be effected at its manufacturing facility in Hayward, Calif.

Top Promising Stocks To Own Right Now: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TARO)

Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., incorporated in 1959, is a science-based pharmaceutical company. The Company develops manufactures, and markets prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products, primarily in the United States, Canada and Israel. The Company also develops and manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), primarily for use in its finished dosage form products. The Company�� primary areas of focus include pediatric creams and ointments, liquids, capsules and tablets, mainly in the dermatological and topical, cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric and anti-inflammatory therapeutic categories. The Company operates through three companies: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Taro Israel), and two of its subsidiaries (including indirect), Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Taro Canada) and Taro U.S.A. The Company markets more than 180 pharmaceutical products in over 25 countries.

Taro Israel manufactures more than 160 finished dosage form pharmaceutical products for sale in Israel and for export. It produces APIs used in the manufacture of finished dosage form pharmaceutical products. It markets and distributes generic products in the local Israeli market. Taro Israel�� primary product lines include dermatology, prescription and OTC semi-solid products (creams, ointments and gels) and liquids; cardiology and neurology, prescription oral dosage products; oral analgesics, both prescription and OTC, and OTC oral and nasal sprays and ophthalmic products.

Taro Canada manufactures more than 70 finished dosage form pharmaceutical products for sale in Canada and for export. It markets and distributes generic products in the local Canadian market. Its product line includes dermatology: prescription and OTC semi-solid products (creams, ointments and gels) and liquids, cardiology, oncology, gastrointestinal and neurology: prescription oral and injects able dosage products, and allergy (antihistamine): OTC oral dosage products.

Taro U.S.A markets! and distributes generic products in the United States market. Its primary product lines include dermatology: prescription and OTC semi-solid products (creams, ointments and gels) and liquids, cardiology and neurology: prescription oral dosage products, and other prescription and OTC products.

The Company competes with Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer/Wyeth, Valeant, Galderma, Merck/Schering-Plough, Teva Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Mylan Laboratories, Perrigo Company, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Merck Canada Inc., Pfizer Canada Inc., Janssen Inc., Schering-Plough Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Bayer Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, Apotex Inc., Teva Canada Limited, Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC, Sandoz Canada Incorporated, Pharmascience Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Perrigo Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Dexxon Ltd., Rafa Laboratories Ltd., Bayer AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck & Co., Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Teva has dropped 7.7% to $37.85 today at 3:23 p.m. but doesn’t seem to be spreading though the generic drug space. Taro Pharmaceuticals (TARO) ha gained 1.1% to $79, while Actavis (ACT) has gained 1.2% to $156.25 and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (RDY) has advanced 1% to $40.24. Mylan (MYL) has dropped 0.7% to $38.40.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    Israeli drugmaker Taro Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE: TARO  ) has a new CEO -- and a new Chairman of the Board, as well.

    On Thursday, Taro announced the imminent retirement of Interim Chief Executive Officer Mr. James Kedrowsk, who will be replaced August 1 by new permanent CEO Mr. Kalyanasundaram Subramanian ("Kal Sundaram"). Additionally, the company said that Dilip Shanghvi�has been appointed Chairman of its Board of Directors.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc (ORMP)

Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc., incorporated on March 10, 2011, is a development-stage pharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the research and development of pharmaceutical solutions, including an orally ingestible insulin capsule or tablet to be used for the treatment of individuals with diabetes, use of orally ingestible capsules, tablets or pills for delivery of other polypeptides. The Company owns oral dosage form drug portfolio, it is, on an on-going basis, considering in-licensing and other means of obtaining additional technologies to complement and/or expand the product portfolio. The Company�� products include ORMD-0801 - Oral Insulin Capsule and ORMD-0901 - Oral Exenatide.

The Company focuses to conduct research and development on the technology covered by the patent application Methods and Composition for Oral Administration of Proteins. Through its research and development efforts, it focuses to develop an oral dosage form that will withstand the chemical environment of the stomach and intestines and will be effective in delivering active insulin for the treatment of diabetes. It intends to conduct the clinical trials to file an Investigational New Drug (IND), application with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also focuses to conduct research and development by deploying its drug delivery technology for the delivery of other polypeptides in addition to insulin, and to develop other pharmaceutical products.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Oramed Pharmaceuticals (ORMP) has dropped 19% to $12.11 after the company said it would sell nearly 1.6 million shares of stock for $10 a share.

    BP plc (BP) has fallen 0.7% to $47.24 after a U.S. judge refused its request to revise the way damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are calculated.

  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Oramed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ORMP) shares moved up 15.68% to $17.85. The volume of Oramed Pharmaceuticals shares traded was 971% higher than normal. Oramed received patent allowance in Israel, Australia for platform technology in oral delivery of proteins.

  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Oramed Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ORMP) shares moved up 21.26% to $14.20. The volume of Oramed Pharmaceuticals shares traded was 621% higher than normal. Oramed shares have jumped 187.01% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 28.75% in the same period.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (ICPT)

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated on September 4, 2002, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics to treat chronic liver diseases utilizing its bile acid chemistry.The Company�� product candidates treat orphan and more prevalent liver diseases for which there are limited therapeutic solutions. The Company�� product candidate, obeticholic acid, or OCA, is a bile acid analog, a chemical substance that has a structure based on a naturally occurring human bile acid. It is developing OCA initially for primary biliary cirrhosis, or PBC, as a second line treatment for patients who have an inadequate response to or who are unable to tolerate standard of care therapy and therefore need additional treatment. The Company is conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial of OCA in PBC, which it calls the POISE trial, that serves as the basis for seeking regulatory approval in the United States and Europe. As of December 19, 2012, the Company completed enrollment of the POISE trial with 217 patients.

The Company�� clinical focus is on the development of OCA, orally administered, first-in-class FXR agonist that has broad liver-protective properties and may a variety of chronic insults to the liver that cause fibrosis, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis, liver transplant and death. The Company owns worldwide rights to OCA outside of Japan and China, where it has licensed the compound to Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma, or DSP, and granted it an option to license OCA in certain other Asian countries.The Company is sponsoring an independent study involving more than ten leading PBC centers in North America and Europe, or collectively the Global PBC Study Group, that are pooling their long-term patient data to evaluate the relationship between biochemical and clinical endpoints.

The Company competes with Eli Lilly, Exelixis, Inc., Phenex Pharmaceuticals AG, , Johnson & Johnson, NovImmune SA, Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH, Galmed Medical Researc! h Ltd., Immuron Ltd., Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., NasVax Ltd. , Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. Astellas Pharma US, Inc., AstraZeneca, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Tioga Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    When a biotech stock has already gained 556% this year, like Intercept Pharmaceuticals (ICPT) has, there’s really only one thing for an analyst to do–raise their price target. And that’s exactly what Citigroup did today with Intercept Pharmaceuticals, the best performing biotech company in the Russell 2000.

    Intercept Pharmaceutical has surged 576% this year after gaining today, besting InterMune’s (ITMN) 119% spike and Sangamo BioSciences’ (SGMO) 63% advance.

    Citigroup’s Jonathan Eckard and team explain why they’re even more excited about Buy-rated Intercept Pharmaceuticals:

    We are raising�[Intercept Pharmaceuticals' target price] to $700 (+$100) based on higher regulatory confidence following a thorough assessment of FDA history with blood lipid changes in other settings involving liver damage/repair. We believe the FDA�� understanding of these lipid changes is under-recognized by the Street and the agency�� past ��ack of��response to them highlights this. Therefore, we expect the lipid changes in the FLINT trial are likely to receive less regulatory scrutiny than current Street expectations and this is not reflected in [Intercept Pharmaceuticals'] current valuation. We also believe certain FLINT data could be publicly available by the end of July and before the anticipated AASLD showing.

    What does all that mean for Intercept Pharmaceuticals? Here’s the one-sentence version: “Our increase is driven primarily by higher probability of approval and more rapid penetration into the most severe NASH population.”

    Shares of Intercept Pharmaceuticals have gained 2.9% to $461.11, while InterMune has dropped 2.9% to $32.29 and Sangamo BioSciences has dipped 0.5% to $22.67.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    It’s hard not to think it might be. Today, Gilead Sciences (GILD), Intercept Pharmaceuticals (ICPT), Celgene (CELG), Amgen (AMGN) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX).

  • [By Jayson Derrick]

    Intercept Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ICPT) priced its one million common share offering at $320 per share, below Thursday's closing price of $321.81. Additionally, in a 13G filing, Steven Cohen's hedge fund SAC Capital disclosed on Thursday night that it holds 6,123 shares in the company, down from its 1,369,046 shares the fund held at the end of the last quarter. Shares plunged 9.61 percent, closing at $290.89.

  • [By Eddie Staley]

    Equities Trading UP
    Shares of Intercept Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ICPT) got a boost, shooting up 54.79 percent to $427.02. Citigroup lifted the price target on the stock from $60.00 to $400.00, while Bank of America raised the price target from $81.00 to $872.00.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: bluebird bio Inc (BLUE)

bluebird bio, Inc., incorporated on April 16, 1992, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, the Company is focused on transforming the lives of patients with severe genetic and orphan diseases using gene therapy. Gene therapy seeks to introduce a functional copy of the defective gene into a patient�� own cells, a process called gene transfer. Through gene transfer, a functional copy of the mutated gene is delivered to the patient�� cells, thereby correcting the underlying genetic defect that causes aberrant gene expression. As of December 31, 2012, the Company is conducting a Phase I/II clinical study in France evaluating an earlier generation of its LentiGlobin vector for the treatment of �-thalassemia major and SCD. Initial proof-of-concept data from this study were published in Nature. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company plans to initiate an extension of this study under a revised protocol for LentiGlobin, which the Company refers to as the HGB-205 Study. The Company also plans o initiate a second Phase I/II clinical program in the United States for LentiGlobin, which the Company refers to as the HGB-204 Study, for �-thalassemia major. In March 2013, the Company entered into a strategic collaboration with Celgene Corporation, or Celgene, to discover, develop and commercialize, disease-altering gene therapies in oncology.

Its gene therapy platform is based on viral vectors that utilize a modified, non-replicating version of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) virus, that has been stripped of all of the components required for it to self-replicate and infect additional cells. The HIV-1 virus is part of the lentivirus family of viruses, as a result of which the Company refer to its vectors as lentiviral vectors. Its lentiviral vectors are used to introduce a functional copy of a gene to the patient�� own isolated blood stem cells, called hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which reside in a patient�� bone marrow and are capable of differentiating int! o a wide range of cell types. HSCs are dividing cells, thus its approach allows for sustained expression of the modified gene as the Company is able to take advantage of a lifetime of replication of the gene-modified HSCs. Additionally, the Company has developed a cell-based vector manufacturing process that is both reproducible and scalable.

Adrenoleukodystrophy

Adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare X-linked, inherited, neurological disorder that is often fatal. ALD is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene which encodes for a protein called the ALD protein (ALDP), which plays a critical role in the breakdown and metabolism of long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA). Without functional ALDP, VLCFA accumulate in cells including neural cells in which they cause damage to the myelin sheath, a protective and insulating membrane that surrounds nerve cells in the brain. This damage can result in decreased motor coordination and function, visual and hearing disturbances, the loss of cognitive function, dementia, seizures, adrenal dysfunction and other complications, including death. ALD is divided into various sub-segments with three main phenotypes that impact brain function: CCALD (Childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, AMN (Adrenomyeloneuropathy) and ACALD (Adult Cerebral ALD).

�-thalassemia

�-thalassemia is a rare hereditary blood disorder caused by a genetic abnormality of the �-globin gene resulting in defective red blood cells (RBCs). Genetic mutations cause the absence or reduced production of the beta chains of hemoglobin, or �-globin, thereby preventing the proper formation of hemoglobin A, which normally accounts for greater than 95% of the hemoglobin in the blood of adults. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in the blood that carries oxygen from the respiratory organs to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin A consists of four chains-two chains each of a-globin and �-globin. Normally existing at an approximate 1:1 ratio, genetic mutations that impair t! he produc! tion of �-globin can lead to a relative excess of a-globin, premature death of red blood cells. The clinical implications of the a-globin/�-globin imbalance are two-fold: first, patients lack sufficient RBCs and hemoglobin to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body and can become severely anemic; and second, the shortened life span and ineffective production of RBCs can lead to other complications such as splenomegaly, marrow expansion, bone deformities, and iron overload in organs.

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder resulting from a mutation in the �-globin gene that causes polymerization of hemoglobin proteins and abnormal red blood cell function. The disease is characterized by anemia, vaso-occlusive pain crisis (a common complication of SCD in which there is severe pain due to obstructed blood flow in the bones, joints, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, eye, or central nervous system), infections, stroke, overall poor life and early death in a subset of patients. Under low-oxygen conditions, which are exacerbated by the red blood cell abnormalities, the mutant hemoglobin aggregates causing the RBCs to take on a sickle shape (sickle cells), which causes them to aggregate and obstruct small blood vessels, thereby restricting blood flow to organs resulting in pain, cell death and organ damage. If oxygen levels are restored, the hemoglobin can disaggregate and the RBCs return to their normal shape, but over time, the sickling damages the cell membrane and the cells fail to return to the normal shape even in high-oxygen conditions.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jay Silverman]

    Some of the biggest leaders in that field, and there have been dozens in fields, if not more this year, such as Bluebird (BLUE) and Stemline Therapeutics (STML) and have all pulled back to significantly lower levels; even below, in Bluebird's case, the price that had actually opened up as an IPO, even though it's above its IPO price.

  • [By David Williamson]

    In this video, health-care analyst David Williamson takes a look at the tremendous success of the�Bluebird Bio (NASDAQ: BLUE  ) �IPO. The company increased the size of its initial public offering, and priced shares at $17 -- above the top end of its range -- but that still couldn't contain investor appetite for this stock. Shares shot up 50% on the opening day of trading, and have remained there.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Universal Biosensors Inc (UBI)

Universal Biosensors, Inc. (Universal Biosensors) is an early-stage specialist medical diagnostics company focused on the research, development and manufacture of in vitro diagnostic test devices for consumer and professional point-of-care use. The Company uses its electrochemical cell technology platform to develop tests for a number of different markets. The Company�� principal activities are research and development, commercial manufacture of approved medical or testing devices and the provision of services including contract research work. The Company operates primarily in Australia. The Company uses its electrochemical cell technology platform to develop tests for a number of different markets. The Company has rights to a portfolio comprising patent applications owned by its wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Biosensors Pty Ltd, and a number of patents and patent applications licensed to the Company by LifeScan, Inc., an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson Company. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

    Banco Popolare SC (BP) declined 3.5 percent to 1.29 euros and Unione di Banche Italiane SCPA (UBI) slid 2.3 percent to 4.93 euros after Societe Generale SA reduced its 12-month price forecast on the shares.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc (SCMP)

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated on December 9, 2008, is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on research, discovery, development and commercialization of drugs based on ion channel activators known as prostones. The Company�� prostone-based compounds target the ClC-2 and big potassium (BK), ion channels. It is focused on developing prostones to treat gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, neurologic, and oncology-based inflammatory disorders, and is also considering other therapeutic applications of its drug technology. The Company�� products include AMITIZA (lubiprostone) and RESCULA (unoprostone isopropyl).

AMITIZA

The Company�� AMITIZA is being marketed in the United States for three gastrointestinal indications under a license agreement, or the Takeda Agreement, with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, or Takeda. The three gastrointestinal indications include chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), in adults, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), in adult women, and opioid-induced constipation (OIC), in adult patients with chronic, non-cancer pain. AMITIZA for OIC received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in April 2013. In Japan, AMITIZA is marketed under a license, commercialization and supply agreement, or the Abbott Agreement, with Abbott Japan Co. Ltd. (Abbott), for the gastrointestinal indication of chronic constipation (CC), excluding constipation caused by organic diseases. In Switzerland, the Company is marketing AMITIZA.

RESCULA

The Company holds license agreements for RESCULA in the United States and Canada and the rest of the world, with the exception of Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the People�� Republic of China. The Company is commercializing RESCULA (unoprostone isopropyl ophthalmic solution) 0.15% for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP), in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in the United States. RESCULA may be used as an agent or concomit! antly with other topical ophthalmic drug products to lower intraocular pressure. RESCULA is a BK channel activator and has a different mechanism of action than other IOP lowering agents on the market.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Another under-$10 stock that's starting to trend within range of triggering a major breakout trade is Sucampo Pharmaceuticals (SCMP), which is engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of proprietary drugs based on prostones, and other novel drug technologies. This stock is off to a decent start in 2013, with shares up by 26%.

    If you take a look at the chart for Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, you'll notice that this stock has been downtrending badly for the last four months, with shares dumping hard from its high of $10.48 to its recent low of $5.40 a share. During that downtrend, shares of SCMP have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, the downside volatility for SCMP looks to be over in the short-term since the stock has started to reverse its downtrend and enter an uptrend. That reverse is quickly pushing shares of SCMP within range of triggering a major breakout trade above a key downtrend line.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SCMP if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $6.33 to $6.66 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 115,383 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then SCMP will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $7.09 to $7.67 a share. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give SCMP a chance to tag $8 to $9 a share.

    Traders can look to buy SCMP off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $5.58 to $5.40 a share. One can also buy SCMP off strength once it clears those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

  • [By James Brumley]

    Still, for the nimble who know when to get out, OREX is one of the few cheap stocks worth a closer look.

    Sucampo Pharmaceuticals (SCMP)

    Finally, though the price of $7.60 clearly qualifies it as one pf the cheapest of the cheap stocks out there in the pharmaceutical world, that’s not the reason Sucampo Pharmaceuticals (SCMP) may be worth a look here. It’s the 30% slide we’ve seen SCMP stock suffer since peaking in mid-January. It’s not a pullback that’s bound to go unchallenged by the bulls.

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: Ophthotech Corp (OPHT)

Ophthotech Corporation, incorporated on January 05, 2007, is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutics to treat diseases of the eye. The Company�� advanced product candidate is Fovista, which the Company is developing for use in combination with anti-VEGF drugs that represent the current standard of care for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Wet AMD is a serious disease of the central portion of the retina, known as the macula, which is responsible for detailed central vision and color perception. It is characterized by abnormal new blood vessel formation and growth, referred to as neovascularization, which results in blood vessel leakage, retinal distortion and scar formation. If untreated, the progressive retinal damage results in rapid, irreversible and severe vision loss. Wet AMD is the cause of blindness in patients over the age of 55 in the United States and the European Union.

The anti-VEGF market for the treatment of wet AMD consists predominantly of two drugs that are approved for marketing and primarily prescribed for the treatment of wet AMD, Lucentis and Eylea, and off-label use of the cancer therapy Avastin. The use of anti-VEGF drugs has significantly improved visual outcomes for patients with wet AMD who have been treated with these drugs as compared to untreated patients.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Udovich]

    Yesterday, small cap biotech Acceleron Pharma Inc (NASDAQ: XLRN) rose 9.76%�plus shares are up 183.6% for retail investors since its September IPO, meaning its worth taking a closer look at the stock along with the performance of other biotech IPOs like BIND Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: BIND), Ophthotech Corp (NASDAQ: OPHT) and Foundation Medicine Inc (NASDAQ: FMI) which also debuted at the same time.

  • [By John Udovich]

    The biotech sector has been pretty exciting this year�with small cap biotech stocks Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ: PRAN) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) having recently produced noteworthy news for investors�while Acceleron Pharma, Inc (NASDAQ: XLRN), Ophthotech (NASDAQ: OPHT) and BIND Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BIND) have just�set term sheets for their upcoming IPOs. Just consider all of the following recent news:

Top 10 Medical Companies To Watch For 2015: OncoSec Medical Inc (ONCS)

OncoSec Medical Incorporated, incorporated on February 8, 2008, is an emerging drug-medical device company. The Company focused on designing, developing and commercializing medical approaches for the treatment of solid cancers. In March 2011, the Company acquired from Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Inovio) certain assets related to the use of drug-medical device combination products for the treatment of different cancers.

The Company�� acquired assets relate to certain non-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine technology and property relating to selective tumor ablation technologies, which it refers to as the OncoSec Medical System (OMS), a therapy which uses an electroporation device to facilitate delivery of chemotherapy agents, or nucleic acids encoding cytokines, into tumors and/or surrounding tissue for the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers. As of January 24, 2012, the Company had not generated any revenue from operations.

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

    How does the old saying go? Beggars can't be choosers? Two weeks ago, yours truly penned some bullish comments regarding OncoSec Medical Inc. (OTCMKTS:ONCS). The long and short of it was, if ONCS could clear a technical ceiling around $0.36, then life would get much easier for the bulls.

  • [By John Udovich]

    Small cap biotech stocks AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: AVEO), OncoSec Medical Inc (OTCMKTS: ONCS) and MetaStat Inc (OTCBB: MTST) are focused on or are developing treatments or diagnostic technologies for metastatic cancers. In case you aren�� familiar with the term metastasis or metastatic, it�� the�spread of cancer from its primary site to other places in the body as cancer cells break away from a primary tumor, penetrate into lymphatic and blood vessels, circulate through the bloodstream and then grow in a new focus (metastasize) in normal tissues elsewhere in the body. In other words, it�� a dangerous form of cancer, but there are some small cap biotech stocks targeting it for diagnostics or treatment:

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    If you're looking for the next big biotech breakout stock, then OncoSec Medical Inc. (OTCMKTS:ONCS) deserves a place on your watchlist. This volatile cancer play has been down more than up 2011, but if you look closely at a long-term chart of ONCS, you may find it's already wiggled its way into a new uptrend. And, it may be only a matter of time before the bullish fireworks start to go off.

  • [By Bio-Wire]

    Another company that has benefitted from Inovio�� newfound attention is OncoSec Medical (OTC: ONCS) ��a newer ��ffshoot�� company that uses a similar but distinctly different electroporation device known as the OncoSec Medical System (OMS) that is based on Inovio�� technology. The specific amplitude and frequency of the OMS electroporation is calibrated such that plasmid delivery into solid tumor masses is fully optimized, while CELLECTRA electroporation is less specialized and focus more on the vaccination of skin cells. The cross-license agreement made between Inovio and Oncosec also covers the two devices for their distinctly different applications.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

6 Internet and Web Service Stocks to Buy Now

RSS Logo Portfolio Grader Popular Posts: Hottest Energy Stocks Now – RIG ESV DO ATW7 Biotechnology Stocks to Buy Now10 Best “Strong Buy” Stocks — UA POWR QIHU and more Recent Posts: 15 Oil and Gas Stocks to Sell Now 6 Internet and Web Service Stocks to Buy Now 10 Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy Now View All Posts

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

Top 5 Income Stocks To Watch Right Now

Commtouch Software Ltd () is bumping up its rating from a C (“hold”) to a B (“buy”) this week. Commtouch Software provides messaging, antivirus, and Web security solutions to OEM customers, enterprises, and service providers primarily in Israel, North America, Europe, and Asia. In Portfolio Grader’s specific subcategory of Sales Growth, CTCH also gets an A. .

Akamai Technologies, Inc. () gets a higher grade this week, advancing from a C last week to a B. Akamai Technologies provides services for accelerating and improving the delivery of content and applications over the Internet. .

IntraLinks Holdings, Inc.’s () ratings are looking better this week, moving up to a B from last week’s C. IntraLinks Holdings provides Software-as-a-Service solutions for managing content, exchanging business information and collaborating within and among organizations. .

The rating of Sohu.com, Inc. () moves up this week, rising from a C to a B. Sohu.com is an Internet media company that serves as a daily source of information, communication and entertainment for millions of Chinese consumers. .

This week, OpenTable, Inc. () pushes up from a C to a B rating. OpenTable provides free, real-time online restaurant reservations for diners through an online booking service. .

Jiayuan.com International Ltd. Sponsored ADR () boosts its rating from a C to a B this week. Jiayuan. com International is an online Chinese dating company. .

Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being “strong buy,” and F being “strong sell.” Explore the tool here.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

GM sticks with marketing plan despite recall

DETROIT -- General Motors, under siege for the recall of 2.6 million small cars with defective ignition switches, will not change the strategy for selling its current lineup of new cars and trucks.

The recall, which began in February and was expanded last month, is the company's largest crisis since it emerged from bankruptcy in 2009.

While GM's U.S. market share has declined 2.3% for the first three months of this year, it's too early to say that the recall is hurting sales of its newest models. GM's sales rose 4% in March from a year earlier, well above analysts' expectations and better than Ford's 3.3% increase.

STORY: Judge: GM need not tell owners to park recall cars

Congress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Justice Department are investigating how early GM learned of the flawed ignition switches and why there was no recall earlier.

Tim Mahoney, chief marketing officer and global Chevrolet and global GM marketing operations leader, said the automaker is not spending more on advertising or incentives than previously budgeted and isn't likely to change that strategy.

"There are really a lot of positive things happening, and it is really about staying focused on the product," Mahoney said.

Chevrolet already has a commercial with a safety message called "The New Us."

"There is not going to be a specific recall ad," Mahoney said. "We are coming at it from the models, and all of the new products we have introduced recently."

GM CEO Mary Barra has apologized to customers during congressional testimony and in other forums. GM is reluctant, however, to incorporate an apology into its marketing.

Mahoney also said GM doesn't plan to advertising directly to owners of Chevrolet Cobalts, HHRs, Pontiac 5s, and Saturn Ions and Skys to buy new vehicles as Toyota did when it recalled millions of vehicles amid concerns about unintended acceleration in 2009 and 2010.

"At some point, perhaps, that is a possibility," Mahone! y said. "We are offering some incentives for people who want to trade up. But that's a fine line you have to walk."

GM is offering a $500 incentive to owners of the recalled models that they can apply toward the purchase or lease of a new GM vehicle.

Chevrolet and GMC likely will spend more marketing money and energy on its full-size pickups and SUVs this year. In March, Chrysler's Ram pickup outsold Chevrolet Silverado for the first time that anyone in the automotive industry can remember.

Mahoney said he is not concerned about Ram's market share gains.

Chevrolet is reducing incentives on Silverado while Ram has been offering bigger rebates and discounted financing.

In March, Ram's pickup incentives increased 12.5% from a year earlier to an average of $4,769, according to Edmunds.com. Incentives for Silverado, meanwhile, were $4,180 or 30% lower than March 2013.

"When you start hearing things like that, it's a sure sign that you are getting ahead," said Reid Bigland, Chrysler's head of U.S. sales and the Ram brand.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015

There's been an awful lot of talk over the past few years about how badly Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) and China Mobile (NYSE: CHL  ) need each other. The iPhone maker wants access to the largest mobile subscriber base in the world, while the No. 1 Chinese carrier wants a flagship device that gulps down 3G data.

While China Mobile has never officially offered the device, the two smaller carriers do. China Unicom (NYSE: CHU  ) was the first Chinese iPhone carrier in 2009, and China Telecom (NYSE: CHA  ) followed suit in 2012. China Unicom and China Telecom have been consistently chipping away at China Mobile's lead in the lucrative market for 3G subscribers, a trend that has widely been attributable in part to the iPhone.

However, China Mobile has come roaring back in the first quarter without the iPhone's help and now has 41% of the market. Maybe the carrier doesn't actually need Apple.

Sources: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: Koninklijke KPN NV (KPN)

Koninklijke KPN NV (KPN) is a Netherlands-based telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) service provider. It is divided in two business areas: the Netherlands and Mobile International. The Netherlands includes segments: Mobile Consumer, which offers voice, text and data services, and mobile wholesale; Consumer Residential, providing fixed line services; Business, responsible for wireline and wireless voice and Internet, Cloud and integrated packages for corporate clients; NETCO, which offers wireless, copper and fiber network infrastructure and services for retail and wholesale customers; and Corporate Network, which provides solutions for workspace management, connectivity, information security and data centers, cloud-based and traditional software services and consulting. Mobile International consists of segments such as Germany, Belgium, Rest of the world; and iBasis, providing wholesale voice services and terminating of international calls worldwide. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

    BP Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc each slipped at least 1 percent as crude declined after the U.K. parliament rejected a motion for military action against Syria. Royal KPN (KPN) NV slid 3.4 percent after America Movil SAB said it may withdraw its takeover bid if opposed by the company�� independent foundation. Hermes International SCA climbed 2.1 percent after reporting operating profit that surpassed analysts��estimates.

  • [By Corinne Gretler]

    Royal KPN NV (KPN), the former Dutch phone monopoly, surged 13 percent to 1.80 euros as three people familiar with the matter said Telefonica SA is in advanced talks to take over its German mobile-phone business.

  • [By Corinne Gretler]

    KPN (KPN) surged 16 percent to 2.32 euros as America Movil offered 2.40 euros a share for the company. The price -- a 20 percent premium to KPN�� close yesterday -- would value the stake that America Movil doesn�� already own at 7.2 billion euros ($9.6 billion). The Mexican mobile-phone operator has a 29.8 percent holding in KPN. An agreement between the two companies to limit America Movil�� stake to 30 percent expired after KPN agreed last month to sell its German business E-Plus to Telefonica SA.

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: Verizon Communications Inc.(VZ)

Verizon Communications Inc. provides communication services. The company operates through two segments, Domestic Wireless and Wireline. The Domestic Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data services; and sells equipment in the United States. The Wireline segment provides voice, Internet access, broadband video and data, Internet protocol network, network access, long distance, and other services in the United States and internationally. The company serves consumer, business, and government customers, as well as carriers. As of December 31, 2010, its network covered a population of approximately 292 million and provided service to a customer base of approximately 94.1 million. The company was formerly known as Bell Atlantic Corporation and changed its name to Verizon Communications Inc. in June 2000. Verizon Communications Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Diane Alter]

    The last time a Dow shake-up caused such a stir was in April 2004, when AT&T (NYSE: T), Eastman Kodak (currently in bankruptcy proceedings), and International Paper Co. (NYSE: IP) were removed and replaced with American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ).�

Top 10 Gas Companies To Own In Right Now: Otelco Inc (OTEL)

Otelco Inc. provides a range of telecommunications services on a retail and wholesale basis. These services include local and long distance calling; network access to and from its customers; data transport; digital high-speed and dial-up Internet access; cable, satellite and Internet protocol television; wireless, and other telephone related services. The principal markets for these services are residential and business customers residing in and adjacent to the exchanges the Company serves in Alabama, Massachusetts, Maine, Missouri, Vermont and West Virginia. In addition, the Company serves business customers throughout Maine and New Hampshire and provides dial-up Internet service throughout the states of Maine and Missouri. In January 2014, the Company acquired Reliable Networks, a provider of cloud hosting and managed services for companies who rely on mission-critical applications.

Local Services

The Company is a provider of wireline telephone services in seven of the 11 RLEC territories it serves. Local services enable customers to originate and receive telephone calls. The amount that it can charge a customer for certain basic services in Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Vermont and West Virginia is regulated by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC), the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (MDTC), the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC), the Vermont Public Service Board (VPSB) and the West Virginia Public Service Commission (WVPSC). It also has authority to provide service in New Hampshire from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC). The revenue derived from local services includes monthly recurring charges for voice access lines providing local dial tone and calling features, including caller identification, call waiting, call forwarding and voicemail. It also receives revenue for providing long distance services to its customers, billing and collection services for o! ther carriers under contract, and directory advertising. The Company provides local services on a retail basis to residential and business customers.

The Company offers long distance telephone services to its local telephone customers who do not purchase a local service bundle. It resells long distance services purchased from various long distance providers. It derives revenue from other telephone related services, including leasing, selling, installing, and maintaining customer premise telecommunications equipment and the publication of local telephone directories in certain of its rural local exchange carrier territories. It also provides billing and collection services for interexchange carriers through negotiated billing and collection agreements for certain types of toll calls placed by its local customers.

Network Access

Network access revenue relates primarily to services provided by the Company to long distance carriers (also referred to as interexchange carriers) in connection with their use of its facilities to originate and terminate interstate and intrastate long distance, or toll, telephone calls. As toll calls are generally billed to the customer originating the call, network access charges are applied in order to compensate each telecommunications company providing services relating to the call. Network access charges apply to both interstate and intrastate calls. The Company�� network access revenues also include revenues it receives from wireless carriers for terminating their calls on its networks pursuant to its interconnection agreements with those wireless carriers. Blountsville, Hopper, Mid-Maine, Mid-Missouri, Pine Tree and War also receive Universal Service Fund High Cost Loop (USF HCL) revenue, which is included in the Company�� reported network access revenue.

Cable Television Services

The Company provides cable television services over networks with 750 megahertz of transmission capacity in or by Interne! t Protoco! l TV ( IPTV) in its Alabama service area. Its cable television packages offer from 20 to 200 channels. It is a licensed installer of satellite television and has deployed these services to customers in its Missouri territory. In 2011, it converted its Missouri cable customers to satellite television.

Internet Services

The Company provides a variety of internet access data lines to its customers, including bulk broadband data access to support large corporate users; digital high-speed data lines in varying capacity speeds for business and residential use; and residential dial-up connectivity. Digital high-speed Internet access is provided through digital subscriber line (DSL) cable modems or wireless broadband, depending upon the location, in which the service is offered and through fiber connectivity to business customers. The Company charges its Internet customers a flat rate for unlimited Internet usage and a premium for higher speed Internet services. In Maine and Missouri, it provides legacy dial-up Internet services throughout the state.

Transport Services

The Company�� competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) receive monthly recurring revenues for the rental of fiber to transport data. and other telecommunications services in Maine and New Hampshire. Its businesses and telecommunications carriers are 423 mile owned and leased fiber route.

Network Assets

The Company�� telephone networks include carrier grade advanced switching capabilities provided by traditional digital, as well as software based switches, fiber rings and routes and network software supporting specialized business applications. Its networks enable the Company to provide traditional and Internet Protocol ( IP), wireline telephone services and other calling features; long distance services; digital Internet access services through DSL and cable modems and circuits; and specialized customer specific applications. It offers digital signals, high-d! efinition! program content, digital video recording capability through its traditional cable plant and IPTV.

The Company competes with AT&T, Verizon, Charter Communications, Inc. and Time Warner Cable.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Laura Brodbeck]

    Monday

    Earnings Releases Expected: Sotheby�� (NYSE: BID), Otelco (NASDAQ: OTEL), Rackspace Hosting, Inc. (NYSE: RAX), Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) Economic Releases Expected: Italian industrial production, Mexican industrial production, Portuguese trade balance

    Tuesday

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: Vivendi SA (VIVHY.PK)

Vivendi SA (Vivendi), incorporated on December 18, 1987, is a communications and entertainment company. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had six business segments: Activision Blizzard, Universal Music Group, SFR, Maroc Telecom Group, GVT (Holding) S.A. (GVT) and Canal+ Group. Activision Blizzard develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software, online or on other media (such as console and personal computer (PC)). Universal Music Group is engaged in the sale of recorded music (physical and digital media), exploitation of music publishing rights, as well as artist services and merchandising. SFR is engaged in the phone services (mobile, broadband Internet and fixed) in France. Maroc Telecom Group is a telecommunication operator (mobile, fixed and Internet) in Africa, principally in Morocco, as well as in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Mali. GVT is a Brazilian fixed and broadband operator. Canal+ Group is engaged in publishing and distribution of pay-television mainly in France, in both analog and digital (terrestrially, via satellite or ADSL), as well as film production in Europe. In July 2013, Vivendi SA and Universal Music Group announced the completion of the sale of Parlophone Label Group to Warner Music Group Corp.

On November 13, 2009, Vivendi acquired an aggregate of 29.9% of GVT�� outstanding voting shares from Swarth Investments LLC, Swarth Investments Holdings LLC and Global Village Telecom (Holland) BV. In addition, Vivendi acquired from third parties an additional 8% interest in GVT's outstanding shares. On December 28, 2009, Canal+ Group, Vivendi�� subsidiary, acquired TF1�� 9.9% interest in the capital of Canal+ France. On July 31, 2009, Maroc Telecom acquired 51% controlling interest in Sotelma. On August 27, 2009, CID, a company 40% owned by SFR and 60% by other financial investors, acquired the 62% interest in 5 sur 5.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Rodawig]

    Activision Blizzard (ATVI) is the world's largest and most successful video game developer, and is majority owned (61%) by French telecom and media conglomerate Vivendi (VIVHY.PK). Vivendi has been undergoing a massive strategic review with the intent to reduce debt and unlock the value of its assets that has fueled speculation surrounding ATVI. In conjunction with this, ATVI CFO Dennis Durkin announced on the 4Q12 earnings call

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: Harris Corporation (HRS)

Harris Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a communications and information technology company that serves government and commercial markets worldwide. It operates in three segments: RF Communications, Government Communications Systems, and Broadcast Communications. The RF Communications segment designs, develops, and manufactures secure radio communications products and systems for manpack, handheld, soldier-worn, vehicular, strategic fixed-site, and shipboard applications that operate in various radio frequency bands. It also offers products and solutions ranging from wireless network infrastructure solutions to portable and mobile single-band and multiband radios, and public safety-grade broadband video and data solutions for the public safety, federal, utility, commercial, and transportation markets. The Government Communications Systems segment develops, supplies, and integrates communications and information processing products, systems, and netw orks for aerospace, terrestrial, and maritime applications supporting department of defense missions. This segment also provides mission-critical communications and information processing systems for the U.S. civilian Federal market, as well as offers IT transformation, managed, and information assurance solutions. The Broadcast Communications segment provides workflow, infrastructure, and networking solutions that enable media companies to streamline workflow from production through transmission; media solutions to manage digital media workflow through software solutions for advertising, media management, digital signage, broadband, digital asset management, and play-out automation; and transmission systems for delivery of media over wireless broadcast terrestrial networks. The company also offers healthcare IT solutions, IT compliance solutions, and mission-critical managed satellite communications services. Harris Corporation was founded in 1895 and is based in Melbourne, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense ended the week with a bang (if you'll pardon the expression) Friday. Across a field of 26 contracts awarded, the Pentagon laid out plans to spend nearly $2.5 billion in total. A few of the publicly traded companies winning awards included:

  • [By Rich Smith]

    Melbourne, Fla.-based Harris (NYSE: HRS  ) announced on Monday the signing of a $61 million contract to sell radio sets to the Poland Ministry of National Defense.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The U.S. Department of Defense awarded nine new contracts on Monday worth some $1.121 billion in aggregate. The largest of these awards, however, swallowed more than 85% of the funds on offer. Split among five publicly traded companies, and one privately owned, this monster IT contract envisions paying out $960 million over the course of time to contractors:

    Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT  ) Raytheon (NYSE: RTN  ) Harris� (NYSE: HRS  ) L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL  ) TYBRIN Corp., a subsidiary of Jacobs Engineering Group (NYSE: JEC  ) SRA International

    The multiple award, indefinite- delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract was awarded under the U.S. Air Force's Network-Centric Solutions-2 (NETCENTS-2) Application Services program, which the Air Force describes as being one of its primary vehicles for purchasing "sustainment, migration, integration, training, help desk support, testing and operational support" services. Over the course of the contract, the six named contactors will be the only ones entitled to bid (against each other) for task orders awarded under the umbrella IDIQ contract.

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: KongZhong Corp (HOA)

KongZhong Corporation, incorporated on May 6, 2002, is a provider of digital entertainment services for consumers in the People�� Republic of China. The Company operates in three main business units: Wireless Value-Added Services (WVAS), mobile games and Internet games. In addition to developing and operating its self-developed Internet games, such as Loong, Demon Code and Kung Fu Hero, it is an operator of the World of Tanks game for the People�� Republic of China Internet games market. In addition, it is also the licensee in the People�� Republic of China for the Guild Wars 2 game developed by ArenaNet, Offensive Combat game developed by U4iA Games and Hawken game developed by Meteor Entertainment.

The Company conducts substantially all of its business in the People�� Republic of China through its wholly owned subsidiaries KongZhong Beijing, KongZhong China and Simlife Beijing. It operates WVAS, mobile games and Internet games through Beijing AirInbox, Beijing WINT, Beijing Chengxitong, BJXR, Mailifang, Xinreli and Dacheng, all of which are based in the People�� Republic of China.

Wireless Value-Added Services (WVAS) Business

The Company provides interactive entertainment, media and other interactive services to mobile phone users in China through various second generation (2G) standard, technology platforms, including short message services (SMS), Interactive Voice Response services (IVR) and color ring back tone (CRBT), and through various second and a half generation standard (2.5G), technology and operating platforms, including wireless application protocol (WAP) and multimedia messaging services (MMS), which offer graphics, richer content and more interactivity than 2G wireless services. Its WVAS are tailored to the technical or other requirements of its telecommunications operator partners, through whom it deliver most of its WVAS, and to various billing systems for WVAS. Its WVAS are also delivered and marketed through various media partners, i! ncluding handset manufacturers, television stations, radio stations, print media and Internet sites. Its WVAS revenues accounted for 41.7% of its total revenues during the year ended December 31, 2012.

The Company offers a variety of WVAS, such as mobile games, pictures, karaoke, electronic books, mobile phone personalization features, entertainment news, chat and message boards. It provides its services mainly pursuant to its cooperation arrangements with the telecommunications operators and their provincial subsidiaries, the terms of which are generally for one year or less.

Mobile Games Business

The Company is a developer and publisher of mobile games for mobile phone users in the People�� Republic of China (PRC). The mobile games it develops include action, role-playing and leisure games. During 2012, it acquired Noumena, a developer of cross-platform smartphone mobile game engines.

Internet Games Business

The Company develops Internet games internally based mainly on its technologies, which include its game engine (Dazzler three dimension (3D)), game development platforms and online game billing system, all developed by its internal team. In particular, its Dazzler 3D game engine enables the Company to create 3D graphics and visual effects, and provides the technical foundation for creating features in its games. Its game development platforms give the Company the capacity to develop Internet games within approximately six to 24 months and to update Its Internet games frequently in response to players��preferences.

The Company uses an item-based revenue model for its games, whether internally developed or licensed, under which players can play its games on the Internet free of charge, but have to pay for purchases of in-game virtual items, such as in-game currencies, performance-enhancing clothing, weapons, accessories and pets. It distributes its electronic prepaid game cards and game points, which can be used to pur! chase in-! game virtual items, to players through multiple payment channels.

The Company competes with Sina Corporation, Sohu.com Inc., TOM Online Inc., Phoenix New Media Limited, Wireless Arts, Perfect World Co. Ltd, Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited, Netease.com, Inc., Changyou.com Limited, Giant Interactive Group Inc. and Tencent Holdings Limited.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Konrad Kuhn]

    The company also has a minority interest in the privately-held Hooters of America (HOA), the operator and franchisor of over 430 Hooters restaurants; HOTR's CEO Mike Pruitt is a member of the HOA Board of Directors.

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: Corning Incorporated(GLW)

Corning Incorporated manufactures and processes specialty glass and ceramics products worldwide. It operates in five segments: Display Technologies, Telecommunications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials, and Life Sciences. The Display Technologies segment manufactures liquid crystal display (LCD) glass for flat panel displays used primarily in notebook computers, flat panel desktop monitors, and LCD televisions. The Telecommunications segment produces optical fiber and cable, and hardware and equipment products, such as cable assemblies, fiber optic hardware, fiber optic connectors, optical components and couplers, closures and pedestals, splice and test equipment, and other accessories for optical connectivity to the telecommunications industry. This segment also offers optical fiber technology products for various applications, such as premises, fiber-to-the-home access, metropolitan, long-haul, and submarine networks. The Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filter products for emissions control in mobile and stationary applications. The Specialty Materials segment manufactures products that provide approximately 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics, and fluoride crystals used in commercial and industrial markets. The Life Sciences segment provides scientific laboratory products, such as general labware and equipment, as well as tools for cell culture and bioprocess, genomics and proteomics, and high-throughput screening. This segment also develops and produces various technologies, such as the Corning HYPERFlask Cell Culture Vessel for increased cell yields; and other novel surfaces, which include the Corning CellBIND Surface and the Corning Osteo-Assay surface. The company was formerly known as Corning Glass Works and changed its name to Corning Incorporated in April 1989. Corning Incorporated was founded in 1851 and is based in Corning, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Alex Planes]

    Fronting the smartphone revolution
    When Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) Steve Jobs approached Corning (NYSE: GLW  ) in early 2007�with a seemingly impossible request for an ultrathin, ultrastrong glass to protect the soon-to-be-released iPhone, he couldn't have known that Corning's engineers had been working on such a material for decades. In fact, the genesis of Gorilla Glass can be traced back to 1937, when photosensitive glass was first invented, and more specifically to Jun. 1, 1947, when the existence of such a glass became public.

  • [By Brian O'Connell]

    You can�� swing a dead iPhone 4 without hitting a trader or analyst who has a differing outlook on Corning (NYSE: GLW).

    Corning manufactures and sells specialty glasses, ceramics, and related materials worldwide. The company operates through five segments: display technologies, optical communications, environmental technologies, specialty materials, and life sciences.

    But it�� Corning�� tight relationship with Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) that�� causing a stir among investors this week.

    Some say that Apple�� recent embrace of Sapphire, which could replace Corning�� Gorilla Glass as the cover glass for Apple�� next generation of iPhone, is a threat to revenues. That would be a sell trigger for GLW shareholders, they say, as Corning Glass would have trouble replacing the revenue lost from the iPhone deal. (For the record, Apple has made no announcement on Sapphire replacing Gorilla Glass on its iPhones.)

    But there is no shortage of Wall Street watchers who say that Corning is a winner, and can withstand any attack on its Gorilla Glass product line.

    The analytical firm Argus recently hiked its share price outlook on GLW from $20 to $24, citing an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Citibank. The firm also calls for ��ouble-digit earnings per share growth in 2014 and 2015.

    So which is it? Strong share growth based on healthy revenues, or a dip if and when Apple decides to replace Gorilla Glass with Sapphire.?

    Let�� take a look, and see why the naysayers could be wrong about GLW:

    A stronger balance sheet ��Corning�� call last week for an accelerated share repurchasing program should be a good sign for the firm�� share price.

    The rollout, which is ongoing now and will end in the second quarter of 2014, will see Corning buy back outstanding shares worth $1.25 billion.

    According to company financial statements, the buy back program is part of Corning�� $2 billion share repurchas

  • [By Tim Melvin]

    Corning (GLW) was one of my favorite stocks last year. Shares of the glass company have moved up a bit and are no longer the asset value that they were, but they still trade at only a small premium to book value. The company�� products are used in smartphones, tablet computers, emission control devices and lab equipment, among a host of other uses in faster growing segments of the economy. The balance sheet is rock-solid, with $5.4 billion of cash and just $2.3 billion of low-cost debt. Technology sales should drive growth at Corning as products like Gorilla Glass are now considered an essential part of most smartphones and tablets. The stock yields 2.71% right now, and the company should be able to grow the dividend by better than 15% annually for the foreseeable future. This stock should be in just about all income portfolios, in my opinion.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Corning (NYSE: GLW) was down, falling 6.06 percent to $17.12 after the company reported Q4 results.

    Commodities
    In commodity news, oil traded up 1.80 percent to $97.44, while gold traded down 0.92 percent to $1,251.80.

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: IN Media Corp (IMDC)

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

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

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

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

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: Telephone and Data Systems Inc.(TDS)

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a diversified telecommunications service company, provides wireless and wireline telecommunications services in the United States. The company?s wireless services comprise postpaid and prepaid service plans, which consist of voice minutes, messaging, and data services; national consumer plans; business rate plans; smartphone messaging, data, and Internet services to access the Web, e-mail, social network sites, text, picture and video messages, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation, as well as to browse and download various applications; and data services, including news, weather, sports information, games, ring tones, and other services. It provides wireless devices, such as handsets, modems, and tablets; and a range of accessories comprising carrying cases, hands-free devices, batteries, battery chargers, and memory cards, as well as wireless device repair services. The company also offers voice services, including local and long-distance tel ephone service, voice over Internet protocol, voice mail, caller ID, and call forwarding services; broadband services comprising digital subscriber lines and other high-speed Internet data services; network access services; hosted and managed services consisting of co-location, hosting, hosted application management, and cloud computing services; and satellite and terrestrial video services to commercial and residential customers and carriers. In addition, it provides printing and distribution services. As of December 31, 2011, the company served approximately 5.9 million wireless customers and 1.1 million wireline equivalent access lines. It sells its products through retail sales and service centers, direct sales, and independent agents, as well as through Website and telesales. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Volkman]

    Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE: TDS  ) is phoning home another shareholder payout. The company has declared a dividend for its Q2, which will be $0.1275 per share of its common stock, paid on June 28 to shareholders of record as of June 14. That amount matches the firm's previous distribution that was disbursed at the end of March. Prior to that, the firm paid $0.1225 per share.

Hot Telecom Stocks To Buy For 2015: QSC AG (QSC)

QSC AG is a Germany-based telecommunications provider that offers enterprise customers and resellers a range of broadband communication services, from site networking to voice and data services. The Company operates in three business segments: Direct Sales; Indirect Sales, and Resellers. The Direct Sales segment (former Managed Services) focuses on larger and mid-size enterprises, and includes the business of subsidiaries INFO AG and IP Partner. The Indirect Sales segment focuses on regional partners that offer a portfolio of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, solutions and services, including Internet Service Providers (ISP), as well as voice and data services. The Resellers segment focuses on ISPs and telecommunication carriers that do not have an infrastructure of their own and primarily address residential customers. The Resellers segment also includes conventional voice business. In August 2013, it merged with INFO AG. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jonathan Morgan]

    QSC AG (QSC), a provider of telephony and data services to small and medium-sized businesses, jumped 9.5 percent after posting an increase in quarterly net income. Deutsche Boerse AG (DB1) retreated 2.7 percent after Equinet Bank AG downgraded the shares to sell.