AMC's First Quarterly Report: Time to Reboot the Franchise

Frederic J. Brown, AFP/Getty Images Moviegoers aren't heading out the multiplex the way they used to, but that doesn't mean that Hollywood is toast. AMC Entertainment (AMC) reported quarterly results Tuesday. The nation's leading exhibitor -- 345 theaters with 4,976 screens -- went public two months ago. The headline numbers are positive. Revenue increased a better than expected 2.3 percent to $713 million. Profitability also expanded nicely. However, revenue increased as a result of a 5.5 percent increase in ticket prices and a 3.7 percent uptick in concessions purchased by patrons. Obviously you don't see those kind of gains against a mere 2.3 percent lift in revenue without dealing with more empty seats, and that's just what happened. There was a 3.2 percent decline in attendance. AMC's ticket takers welcomed 50.4 million guests during the holiday quarter, well below the 52.1 million guests that it entertained a year earlier. That's bad, and what makes things worse is that it had fewer theaters -- from continuing operations -- a year earlier. It wouldn't be wise to hold out for a Hollywood ending. Customers Want Bigger and Better Things Apologists will argue that it wasn't a bumper crop of movies hitting theaters, but that's not accurate at all. Last year's biggest box office winner -- "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" -- opened in November. Disney's "Frozen" also opened ahead of the holidays, and it's the family entertainment giant's biggest non-Pixar earner since 1994's "The Lion King." Moviegoers still come out for the big movies, and they're also willing to pay more for a premium setting. IMAX (IMAX) reported blowout quarterly results a few days earlier. IMAX screens rang up a record $244 million in ticket sales worldwide. IMAX is also closing out the year with a record backlog of 384 commercial theaters to deploy. RealD (RLD) is also holding up nicely as a leading provider of 3-D systems for exhibitors. It enjoyed a major boost with "Gravity," a visual treat that was begging to be experienced in more than just conventional 2-D. The sci-fi epic delivered more than $300 million in box office receipts to screens with RealD systems. However, life isn't a feature presentation once you move outside of IMAX and RealD. Traditional exhibitors are meandering at best, and that's not a good sign in light of an improving economy that would typically suggest that consumers have more money to take in a movie more often. Fade to Black We're not consuming less video content. The problem for movie theaters is that there's a lot of competition. Home theaters are getting cheaper and the quality is getting better -- and no one is charged $5 for a cup of soda at home. Let's also not dismiss Netflix (NFLX). It wasn't even streaming content seven years ago, and now it's serving up two billion hours of premium video a month. Why pay more for a single movie than an entire month of Netflix, and still have to put up with a block of ads at the beginning that you don't get with Netflix? Exhibitors could also help themselves out by making the experiences more enjoyable. The success of IMAX and RealD shows that folks still come out to the movies when it's an experience that they can't easily replicate at home a few months later. Some theaters get it, carving out space to create unique upgrades, including fancier screens with fewer plush seats and in-theater dining. That isn't going to be enough. Exhibitors need to start rethinking everything from varying their concessions to how they market to patrons before their movies start. Is it that hard to enhance the menu with seasonal snacks themed to the movies that are playing? Is it that hard to push deal texts to willing recipients in the theater during pre-show rites? What's the harm in encouraging post-screening discussions within the theater in designated lounge areas so they're not losing the customer the moment that the credits roll? Hollywood will survive because there are too many distribution options available these days after a movie's completed its theatrical run. Theater operators are the ones that will suffer if they don't hop on the reinvention process. "Star Trek," "Batman" and more recently "Robocop" have tried to breathe new life into their franchises with cinematic reboots. It's time for the multiplex to do the same.

Intel Says Layoff Of 5,000 Is Not Firing

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) reported it would lay off just over 5,000 people between now and the end of the year. The number is about 5% of its workforce. Intel insists the action is not a layoff. The workers leaving may view it differently.

Intel posted relatively strong number for the last quarter, and even claimed that the PC market had stabilized. Revenue rose 3% to $13.8 billion. Net income was up 6% to $2.6 billion.

According to CNNMoney, Intel Spokesman Chris Kraeuter, said, commenting on the cuts, “This is not a layoff. It’s not a giant, one time action. This is a target employment rate for the end of the year.”

The layoff announcement’s timing did seem odd, if viewed in the context of comments by CEO Brian Krzanich as part of Intel’s earnings press release. He said, “We had a solid fourth quarter with signs of stabilization in the PC segment and financial growth from a year ago.”. Recent data from research firms Gartner and IDC show otherwise, at least based on trends in 2013. Gartner reported:

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 82.6 million units in the fourth quarter of 2013, a 6.9 percent decline from the fourth quarter of 2012, according to preliminary results by Gartner, Inc. This is the seventh consecutive quarter of shipment decline.

Perhaps Krzanich sees something not evident to most analysts.

Best Electric Utility Companies To Own In Right Now

Krzanich’s comments about the PC market gave Wall St. some cheer. Perhaps PC sales are not being battered so badly as in the recent past by the success of tablets and smartphones. Perhaps new innovations from PC manufacturers, or a surge in demand for Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Windows 8 has driven a modest improvement (Although comments from Microsoft would indicate otherwise).

At the end of the day, companies which see their futures as very bright are not usually candidates for employee downsizing. Is Intel in better shape, or not?

 

 

Facebook Grabs WhatsApp for $16B

NEW YORK (TheStreet) - Facebook (FB) has clinched a $16 billion deal to acquire mobile messaging company WhatsApp.

The purchase price comprises $4 billion in cash and approximately $12 billion worth of Facebook shares, according to a statement released by Facebook. The deal also includes an additional $3 billion in restricted stock units to be granted to WhatsApp's founders and employees.

WhatsApp will continue to operate independently and retain its brand following the acquisition's closure and the company's co-founder and CEO Jan Koum will join the social network's board.

While eyebrows will be raised at the $16 billion price tag for WhatsApp, Facebook clearly sees great value in the Mountain View, Calif.-based firm. Over 450 million people use the mobile messaging service each month and WhatsApp adds more than a million registered users each day. "WhatsApp is on a path to connect 1 billion people. The services that reach that milestone are all incredibly valuable," said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in the company's statement. "I've known Jan for a long time and I'm excited to partner with him and his team to make the world more open and connected." Facebook shares tumbled 4.64% to $64.90 in extended trading on Wednesday. --Written by James Rogers in New York. Follow @jamesjrogers >Contact by Email.

Stock quotes in this article: FB 

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now

In a company blog post, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) today confirmed additional details about its upcoming software update to Windows 8.

According to the blog post, Microsoft executive Tami Reller spoke at a JPMorgan tech conference today, saying that the update will be called Windows 8.1. The version was previously known as "Windows Blue."

Windows 8.1 will be available as a free update to users of Windows 8, and the software will be distributed through the Windows Store. Reller noted that the company's goal will be to deliver continual updates to Microsoft's flagship operating system, and that Windows 8 is just the first phase that started last fall.

Microsoft added that it now has more than 70,000 apps available in the Windows Store, including high-profile titles like Twitter, eBay, and Netflix, among others. The company is planning to release a public preview of Windows 8.1 on June 26, during its Build developer conference.

link

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Wuxi Pharmatech(Cayman)

Wuxi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device research and development outsourcing company primarily in the People?s Republic of China and the United States. It operates in two segments, Laboratory Services and Manufacturing Services. The Laboratory Services segment offers laboratory services for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as discovery and medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, discovery biology, safety pharmacology, DMPK/ADME, bio analytical services, process research, formulation, and toxicology, as well as testing and development services for biologics, medical devices, and combination products. The Manufacturing Services segment provides manufacturing process development services for the production of advanced intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients for use in preclinical and clinical trials. The company offers its services to support research and developme nt for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. It sells its products directly, and through Internet Websites and participation in trade conferences, shows, and scientific conferences. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People?s Republic of China.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Aquila Resources Com Npv (AQA.TO)

Aquila Resources Inc., a natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company principally holds a 49% interest in the Back Forty property comprising approximately 9,615 acres of mineral lands located in Menominee county, Michigan. It primarily explores for gold, silver, copper, and zinc deposits. The company also has a strategic exploration alliance with HudBay Minerals Inc. to explore for base metals in Michigan. Aquila Resources Inc. is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Derma Sciences Inc.(DSCI)

Derma Sciences, Inc. operates as a medical technology company. The company provides advanced wound care products, including Medihoney dressings that are used for the management of non-chronic and hard-to-heal wounds, such as chronic ulcers, burns, and post-operative wounds; Bioguard dressings that are used for prophylactic use in the prevention of hospital or community acquired infections through wound sites; Algicell Ag, antimicrobial dressings; Xtrasorb dressings that convert fluid within the dressings to a gel and lock the exudates into the dressings; TCC-EZ, a dressing system for the management of diabetic foot ulcers; and occlusive dressings, such as hydrocolloids, foams, hydrogels, alginates, additional silver antimicrobial dressings, cleansers, and Dermagran products. It also offers traditional wound care products, such as of gauze sponges and bandages, non-adherent impregnated dressings, retention devices, paste bandages, and other compression devices, as well as a dhesive bandages and related first aid products. In addition, the company provides pharmaceutical wound care products, including DSC127, an angiotensin analog for use in wound healing and scar reduction. It markets wound closure strips, nasal tube and catheter fasteners, barrier creams and ointments, antibacterial cleansing foams and sprays, shampoos and body washes, hand sanitizers, bath additives, body oils, and moisturizers to doctors, clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, home healthcare agencies, and other institutions. The company sells its products to health care providers, such as wound care centers, extended care facilities, acute care facilities, home health care agencies, and physicians? offices through direct sales representatives in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom; retail channels; manufacturers? representatives and independent distributors in international markets. Derma Sciences, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Small cap stocks Derma Sciences Inc (NASDAQ: DSCI), Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc (NASDAQ: OCLS)�and Arch Therapeutics Inc (OTCBB: ARTH) specialize or have a focus on wound care���a medical problem that has plagued mankind since the dawn of time. After all and think back to our Civil War when disease along with infections resulting from improper wound care probably killed more soldiers than actual battles. Even today, infection after surgery or after receiving a wound or injury of any kind is still a constant threat. And then there is the scaring that can result from any sort of invasive surgery or injury. With those thoughts in mind, here are three small cap wound care stocks trying address these problems:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Derma Sciences (Nasdaq: DSCI  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: National-Oilwell Inc.(NOV)

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

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, oilfield services specialist National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV  ) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

• [By Arjun Sreekumar]

  As oil and gas companies continue to venture into these harder-to-reach oil and gas frontiers, the complexity of the drilling process will continue to rise. National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV  ) , as the single biggest supplier of rig equipment with a whopping 60% market share, is aptly positioned to capitalize on this trend.

• [By Harlan Kessler]

  Whenever you see a company that is undervalued with plenty of competitive advantages and financial strength, you are looking at a winner. The company that meets these specifications in the energy business is National Oilwell Varco (NOV). The company supplies drillers and producers with anything they need ranging from rigs to drilling parts and also provides a range of services, whether it is piping inspection or the training of drilling crew in the use of sophisticated systems. It exerts such a profound influence that, according to a Morningstar estimate, it has a 60% share in the market for rig equipment and 90% of all rigs carry some of its equipment. It also operates in over 700 locations across the world. We should remember that the folks who made the real money in the Gold Rush were the suppliers of picks and shovels.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Global Clean Energy Inc (GCEI)

Global Clean Energy, Inc. (GCE), incorporated on November 8, 2007, develops and markets technology in waste to energy management. The Company focuses on organic waste recovery. GCE has developed two complementary technologies to salvage and reform waste from a range of sources to produce different clean energy byproducts. GCE�� AirPump utilizes Vortex technology to separate waste and recover carbon from extracted material. The G2G Steam Reformer is a hybrid steam gasifier.

The AirPump

The AirPump is lightweight and easily attached to the end of solid or flexible pipe, making it relatively simple to deploy or redirect, posing little or no safety hazard to the operator. The design of the AirPump makes it an investment for any industry requiring extraction-based clean up. The AirPump has been used by United Kingdom Coal to empty an accumulation of coal slurry lagoons for land recovery, redevelopment and biofuel production.

The G2G Steam Reformer - the future of pyrolytic gasification

Gasification, a thermal process by which feedstock (i.e. fossil fuels, plastics, solid wastes and biomass) is converted to synthetic fuel gas (syngas), has been used in some form for as a viable waste-to-energy (WtE) technology. The existing gasification plants use air or oxygen to combust feedstock, releasing toxic nitrogen and sulfur compounds. G2G is designed to accept and process a range of carbonaceous materials, including coal, plastic, rubber, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).

The Company competes with Intrinergy, Blue Fire Ethanol, Range fuels and Plasco.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Real Goods Solar Inc.(RSOL)

Real Goods Solar, Inc. operates as a residential and commercial solar energy integrator primarily in California and Colorado. The company provides engineering, procurement, and construction services. It offers various turnkey solar energy services, including design, procurement, permitting, build-out, grid connection, financing referrals, and warranty and customer satisfaction services. The company installs residential and small commercial systems that range between 3 kilowatts and 1 megawatt output. It also engages in the retail sale of renewable energy products. The company was founded in 1978 and is based in Louisville, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  If you were lucky enough to be in an American Community (OTCMKTS:ACYD) position anytime before October 8th, then congratulations - you're up big. Now get out. Instead, use freed-up that capital to take on a position in Real Goods Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:RSOL), which looks like it's at the beginning of a good-sized rally.

• [By John Udovich]

  Small cap solar stock Andalay Solar Inc (OTCMKTS: WEST) has largely cratered for investors�verses solar stock peers Real Goods Solar, Inc (NASDAQ: RSOL) and SolarCity Corp (NASDAQ: SCTY), but is the company finally turning itself around after a failed deal to be acquired?

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  Three weeks ago, I recommended Real Goods Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:RSOL) as a buy. Though the stock was still drifting in the shadow of a huge May pullback - from a high of $7.17 to a low of $2.13 by mid-June - RSOL was finding some support at key moving average lines, and even pushing up and off of them. Not many of you (and I'm using "you" interchangeably with "investors in general") seemed to care. So why am I looking at Real Goods Solar again now? Because, with competitors LDK Solar Co., Ltd (NYSE:LDK) and ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL) seeing their shares surge today, odds are good RSOL is going to get swept up in that move. Real Goods Solar shares are a better bet, however, in that - unlike SOL and LDK - they aren't overbought yet.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Solitaire Minerals Corp. (SLT.V)

Pistol Bay Mining Inc., a diversified junior mineral exploration company, engages in the exploration and development of precious and base metal properties in North America. The company primarily focuses on exploration for gold, uranium, copper, silver, and iron ore deposits. It focuses on projects in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec. The company was formerly known as Solitaire Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pistol Bay Mining Inc. in November 2012. Pistol Bay Mining Inc. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Applied Industrial Technologies Inc. (AIT)

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products for maintenance, repair, and operational needs, as well as original equipment manufacturing applications primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The company offers bearings, power transmission components, fluid power components and systems, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, tools, safety products, and other industrial supplies; and fluid power products, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, lubrication, and filtration components and systems. It also operates regional fabricated rubber shops, which modify and repair conveyor belts and make hose assemblies; and rubber service field crews to install and repair belts and rubber linings at customer locations. In addition, the company assembles fluid power systems and components; performs equipment repair; offers technical advice to customers; and provides maintenance training, and inventory and stor eroom management solutions. It serves various industries, such as agriculture and food processing, automotive, chemical processing, forest products, industrial machinery and equipment, mining, primary metals, transportation, and utilities, as well as to government entities. The company offers industrial products through a network of service centers; and fluid power products directly to customers. Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dividends4Life]

  Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
  
  1. Avg. High Yield Price
  2. 20-Year DCF Price
  3. Avg. P/E Price
  4. Graham Number
  
  GWW is trading at a premium to all four valuations above. The stock is trading at a 10.0% premium to its calculated fair value of $219.95. GWW did not earn any Stars in this section.
  
  Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
  
  1. Free Cash Flow Payout
  2. Debt To Total Capital
  3. Key Metrics
  4. Dividend Growth Rate
  5. Years of Div. Growth
  6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%
  
  GWW earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. GWW earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured.
  
  Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive 4 year period over the last 10 years (2003-2006, 2004-2007, 2005-2008, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every 5 years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1965 and has increased its dividend payments for 42 consecutive years.
  
  Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Industrial distributor�Applied Industrial Technologies� (NYSE: AIT  ) announced today its third-quarter dividend of $0.23�per share, the same rate it's paid for the past two quarters after raising the payout 9.5% from $0.21 per share.

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Industrial components distributor Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) raised its quarterly dividend 8.7% to 25 cents per share, payable on Feb. 28 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 14.
  AIT Dividend Yield: 1.98%

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Tasman Metals Ltd (TSM.V)

Tasman Metals Ltd., a junior resource company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of rare earth elements in Scandinavia. The company owns 100% interest in 124 claims and claim applications for strategic metals, including rare earth elements in Sweden, Finland, and Norway; and various interests in 4 iron ore exploration claims in the Kiruna district of Sweden. Its flagship project is the Norra K盲rr project located in southern Sweden. Tasman Metals Ltd. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Telecom Italia S.P.A.(TI)

Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides fixed-line and mobile telecommunications, Internet, and media services. The company also operates in office and system solutions. Its portfolio ranges from consumer-focused convergent communications services to business-oriented advanced ICT solutions. The company?s integrated range of offerings, proprietary platforms, and network architecture leverage the potential of fixed-line and mobile broadband to offer convergent solutions for communication, Web surfing, always-in-touch services, and serve as a gateway to the digital world from the home, the office, and on the move, from fixed-line telephone, cell phone, PC, or TV. Its business portfolio covers various categories of business needs, from freelance professionals to SMEs, corporations, institutions, and public government bodies. The company?s Web offerings combine Italy?s Virgilio portal with Web 2.0 ventures, such as Yalp!, a TV community where users p ublish their own content and create their own TV channels. Its media operations span traditional broadcasting over analogue and digital networks, and mobile broadcasting through TIM/MTV partnership vehicle, MTV Mobile. The company has operations in Italy, Latin America, Germany, Holland, and the Mediterranean basin. As of December 31, 2009, it provided fixed telecommunications services with approximately 16.1 million physical accesses in Italy. The company?s wholesale customer portfolio consisted of approximately 6.2 million accesses for telephone services; and broadband portfolio had approximately 8.7 million accesses in Italy, as well as 30.8 million mobile telephone lines. Telecom Italia was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Milan, Italy.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Telecom Italia (NYSE: TI) was started as Buy at Goldman Sachs, just a day after J.P. Morgan raised it to Neutral from Underperform.

  Under Armour Inc. (NYSE: UA) was raised to Neutral from Underweight at J.P. Morgan.

• [By Sean Williams]

  Don't forget the cash flow
  With austerity measures hitting home in Europe, it's fairly easy to understand why Telecom Italia (NYSE: TI  ) (NYSE: TI-A  ) , Italy's largest telephone service provider, has struggled mightily. Unlike in the U.S., where a landline or cell phone are viewed as practical necessities, consumers in Italy have had no problem giving up their landlines, or businesses postponing their network expansion, until Italy's economy improves. In fact, in Telecom Italia's first-quarter report, we saw EBITDA decline 10%, to $3.5 billion, and overall sales dip 8%.

Top 5 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Own Right Now: Quickstep Holdings Ltd(QHL.AX)

Quickstep Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture of aerospace-grade composite components, as well as related technology transfer for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. The company undertakes manufacturing contracts utilizing various manufacturing solutions, including autoclaves and Quickstep Process. It also licenses Quickstep Process technology to original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers; and provides Quickstep machines and support services. The Quickstep Process technology is used on high volume automotive manufacturing or specialist thick parts, such as spars and wing skins in large defense and commercial aircraft. The company also conducts research and development on Quickstep and associated technologies on behalf of customers to validate its suitability for their needs, and/or develop the technology to meet their specific requirements. Quickstep Holdings Limited offers its products and services in Germa ny and the United States. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in North Coogee, Australia.

Starbucks sues N.J. firm over sandwich meat…

Starbucks wants a Harrison, N.J., firm to pay almost $5 million in a legal dispute over ham sandwiches.

The Seattle-based chain of coffee shops is suing Wellshire Farms Inc. and a Maryland business, Hahn Bros. Inc.

In the suit, Starbucks contends Wellshire was supposed to provide Black Forest ham for use in breakfast and lunch sandwiches but instead supplied an inferior product from the Maryland firm. Wellshire rejects those claims and denies any wrongdoing.

A Starbucks attorney declined to comment Monday. A lawyer for Wellshire Farms could not be reached.

According to the suit, a Starbucks contractor chose Wellshire's product after holding a blind taste test for a warmed breakfast sandwich in January 2008. Other contractors followed a similar process in selecting Wellshire's ham for a chilled lunch sandwich in the fall of 2009.

The sandwiches, assembled by the contractors, were sold at Starbucks stores across the United States and Canada.

"Starbucks, however, did not know, and Wellshire failed to reveal, the fact that the ham with Wellshire's name on it was actually produced (by Hahn)," the lawsuit asserts.

Starbucks contends it learned of Hahn's role only after a rising number of consumer complaints prompted it to investigate the ham's source. The lawsuit says the complaints began in September 2010, with customers saying the ham was discolored, had an unusual taste and appeared spoiled.

A month later, Starbucks issued "Stop Sell and Discard" notices for its breakfast ham sandwiches. The company said a probe then revealed quality problems with ham shipped by Wellshire, and an executive at the firm "pleaded with Starbucks to maintain its supplier relationship, assured Starbucks that the September incident was not Wellshire's fault and asserted that the September 2010 incident was an isolated incident."

The lawsuit says Starbucks received more complaints within days, then learned Hahn was actually producing the ham.

"This revelation from Wellshir! e came several months after the complaint began," says the suit, which was transferred Monday to federal court in Camden after being filed in July in Washington state.

In a court filing, Wellshire denies Starbucks' claim, including an allegation that laboratory testing in December 2010 found "potentially harmful bacteria" in a sample of the ham.

That alleged finding resulted in a second "Stop Sell and Discard" notice for the breakfast sandwiches, Starbucks says.

According to the lawsuit, Starbucks issued a final "Stop Sell and Discard" notice for all ham sandwiches after a third-party audit reported "fundamental deficiencies in the way the ham was being cooked and processed by Hahn."

The coffeehouse chain then told its contractors to stop using Wellshire products and paid them an undisclosed amount "to minimize the financial impact of these actions." Starbucks asserts it lost more than $4.8 million "protecting its customers and Starbucks' reputation."

Modern Portfolio Theory 2.0 – The Most Diversified Portfolio!

In recent years, new portfolio construction techniques focused on risk and diversification rather than expected average returns have become quite popular. This success has been due to an increasing acknowledgment that a traditional balanced portfolio, where 60 percent is allocated in equities and the remaining 40 percent is invested in bonds, is not diversified at all. It may look balanced from a capital allocation point of view, but it is not from a risk perspective, as equities are the main risk contributor within such a portfolio. Therefore we would like to review a portfolio construction technique, called “Maximum Diversification”, which has shown incredible results so far. (A similar portfolio, the WSC All Weather Portfolio" is being updated on a regular basis on our website.)

The basic idea behind the maximum diversification approach is to construct a portfolio that maximizes the benefits from diversification. First of all, diversification can be measured by the so called diversification factor. This factor is the portfolio’s weighted average asset volatility to its actual volatility. The result of this calculation measures the essence of diversification. Since different asset classes are not perfectly correlated to each other, this ratio in general > 1. In other words, a well diversified portfolio is greater than the sum of its investments, as the overall risk of such a portfolio is less than the weighted-average risk of its component holdings. Therefore, every investor can measure the degree of diversification within its portfolio quite easily, with the following metric:

(wi = portfolio weight in asset i, σi = the risk of asset i, σp is the total risk of the portfolio)

Moreover, for a given set of underlying assets, there is only one portfolio combination that has the highest diversification ratio and thus represents the most diversified portfolio. In other words, it is possible to put the maximum weight into each asset class whereas the overall portfolio volatility is not being increased at all.

In our article, we would like to review a maximum diversification portfolio with the following investment universe:

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) Vanguard MSCI Europe ETF (VGK) Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) Vanguard REIT Index ETF (VNQ) Barclays iPath DJ UBS Commodity TR ETN (DJP) iShares Barclays TIPS Bond (TIP) iShares Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond (TLT) iShares Barclays Aggregate Bond (AGG) iShares iBoxx $ Invest Grade Corp Bond (LQD)

 

In our example, there is no allowance for transaction costs or brokerage fees. In order to minimize transaction costs, we rebalance the portfolio on a monthly basis, whereas 1 day slippage is included. By applying the maximum diversification approach, it is absolute necessary to determine the weightings of each asset class on a regular basis, since the correlation among asset classes is not stable over time! We have used a rolling variance/co-variance matrix to determine the optimal diversification weights.

If we have a look at the diversification benefits this portfolio has utilized in the past, we can see that the diversification ratio reached a maximum score of 6, meaning that the overall portfolio risk was reduced by 500 percent! In this specific time period, the correlation among the underlying asset classes was extremely low. On average, the overall risk within the portfolio can be reduced by a factor of 2.7, while the minimum diversification factor was 1.5 in September 2006. Apart from October 2008, where the financial crisis hit the markets, the portfolio volatility itself swung between 2 and 9 percent, whereas the average volatility is around 5.5 percent. Since it is possible to put the most weight to each underlying asset class without increasing the total portfolio volatility, the expected returns of each security and thus the expected return of the portfolio remains unchanged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another interesting fact is that the weighting of each asset class is mainly driven by its diversification characteristic. In other words, if the correlation coefficient of an underlying security increases, the less weighting it will receive, since its diversification benefits are decreasing (according to the diversification factor).  Therefore it can be possible, that certain high correlated securities will have no weight at all, or the other way round. As a result of this, it can be theoretically possible, that equities have a higher weighting than bonds, in times when the correlation coefficient of stocks to the overall portfolio tends to be lower than bonds.  That is one of the main advantages versus the risk parity approach, where every asset class has the same contribution risk, whatever the correlation of those looks like! Another main advantage of this “All Weather Portfolio” over a risk parity strategy is the fact that it does not need leverage to achieve an attractive return profile.

Top 5 Undervalued Stocks To Buy For 2015

Since we have only focused on risk and portfolio weightings so far, we would like to examine how this portfolio has performed so far versus the IVV (S&P 500).

The maximum diversification approach has an annualized return of 8.2% while the IVV (S&P 500) has only generated an annualized rate of return of 5%. More importantly, on a risk-adjusted basis (Sharpe Ratio), this “All Weather Portfolio” is strongly outperforming the broad benchmark. However, it was only slightly underperforming the IVV (S&P 500), when equity markets have been in a strong bull market (2006).

 

 

 

 

 

 

If we have a closer look on the diversification benefits (reducing risk during turbulent market conditions), we can see that this amazing portfolio construction approach has also shown significant lower draw-downs in the past. The maximum draw down for the so called “All Weather Portfolio” was only 15.1 percent, compared with 56.8 percent for the IVV (S&P 500). That makes roughly 3.5 times more. In total, the maximum diversification portfolio was reaching a new high after 150 days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bottom line:the maximum diversification approach is a perfect tool if investors who are searching for a highly diversified portfolio which tends to perform reasonable well in every market environment.  Since it can fully utilize the benefits of diversification, so then the portfolio is able to reduce draw-downs considerably, especially in times of market turbulences. Therefore this asset allocation approach is perfectly suitable for investors who are searching for compound returns instead of a strategy that tries to capture every gain when equity markets are strong. Nevertheless, the outcome of the strategy depends mainly by chosen asset classes, as this investment strategy allocates the most to those ETFs which have the lowest correlation coefficient. Therefore please bear in mind, that any approach is only as good as the expected future value of its underlying asset classes as well as their future diversification characteristics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following article is from one of our external contributors. It does not represent the opinion of Benzinga and has not been edited.

Posted-In: Markets

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5 Big Trades for a Correction Day

BALTIMORE (Stockpickr) -- After a week of going straight up, the big indices are stomping on the brakes today. And that's a very good thing for anyone who owns stocks right now.

>>5 Stocks Hedge Funds Love

Last week, it looked like we were due to bounce. And we did. But what we got was less a bounce than a springboard. The S&P 500 is up more than 2% in those last five market sessions. For a rebound, that's a little too far, too fast.

That's why the bulls should be glad that we're getting a little corrective action in Thursday's session. For traders, the only thing more important than the market's direction is the fact that it's being extremely technically obedient right now. That means that there are some big high-probability trades to be made in this market.

>>5 Stocks Ready to Explode Higher

So today, we'll take a look at five technical trades in big-name stocks.

If you're new to technical analysis, here's the executive summary.

Technicals are a study of the market itself. Since the market is ultimately the only mechanism that determines a stock's price, technical analysis is a valuable tool even in the roughest of trading conditions. Technical charts are used every day by proprietary trading floors, Wall Street's biggest financial firms, and individual investors to get an edge on the market. And research shows that skilled technical traders can bank gains as much as 90% of the time.

>>5 Stocks With Big Insider Buying

Every week, I take an in-depth look at big names that are telling important technical stories. Here's this week's look at five high-volume stocks to trade this week.

McKesson

First up is McKesson (MCK), a name that's shown investors some stellar performance in the last year. Over the course of those last 12 months, McKesson has rallied more than 68%. That's enough to make the S&P's 20% climb look anemic. Best of all, MCK could be in store for even more upside thanks to a bullish setup in shares.

>>5 Oversold Stocks Ready to Rebound

McKesson is currently forming an ascending triangle pattern, a bullish setup that's formed by horizontal resistance to the upside at $175 and uptrending support down below shares. Basically, as MCK bounces in between those two technical price levels, it's getting squeezed closer and closer to a breakout above that $175 level. When it happens, it's time to be a buyer.

Relative strength has been exemplary in MCK over the last year -- and even through January's correction in the broad market. That's a very positive sign for investors as well. If you decide to buy the move through $175, it makes sense to keep a protective stop at the 50-day moving average -- that level has been a solid proxy for support over the course of the pattern.

PG&E

Things have looked a whole lot less auspicious for PG&E (PCG) recently. Since last April, shares of the $19 billion utility company have dropped more than 8% while the rest of the broad market has been in rally mode. But shares of PCG look "bottomy" right now -- and that means that shareholders could be in for a reprieve.

>>3 Big Stocks to Trade (or Not)

PCG is currently forming a double bottom, a price pattern that's formed by two swing lows that bottom out at approximately the same support level. The price to watch is $42.50, which is the breakout level that separates the two bottoms. If shares push through $42.50, buying PCG becomes the high probability trade. Meanwhile, momentum, measured by 14-day RSI, has been in an uptrend since the pattern started; that adds some extra confidence to the PCG trade.

Why does $42.50 matter? It's not magic. Whenever you're looking at any technical price pattern, it's critical to think in terms of buyers and sellers. Pattern names like triangles and double bottoms are a good quick way to explain what's going on in this stock, but they're not the reason it's tradable. Instead, it all comes down to supply and demand for shares.

That resistance line at $42.50 is a price where there's an excess of supply of shares; in other words, it's a place where sellers have been more eager to take recent gains and sell their shares than buyers have been to buy. That's what makes the move above it so significant -- a breakout indicates that buyers are finally strong enough to absorb all of the excess supply above that price level.

Royal Dutch Shell

Large cap oil stock Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) is looking buyable this week -- but for much simpler reasons. Trades don't get much more straightforward than what's going on in RDS, which is bouncing higher in an uptrending channel. When it comes to trend channels, up is good and down is bad; it's really that simple.

>>5 Stocks Set to Soar on Bullish Earnings

The channel in Royal Dutch Shell gives traders a high probability range for its price action. For that reason, the optimal time to be a buyer is on a bounce off of support. Waiting to buy off a support bounce makes sense for two big reasons: it's the spot where shares have the furthest to move up before they hit resistance, and it's the spot where the risk is the least (because shares have the least room to move lower before you know you're wrong).

Remember, all trend lines do eventually break, but by actually waiting for the bounce to happen first, you're ensuring RDS can actually still catch a bid along that line.

Bank of America

We're seeing the exact same pattern in shares of Bank of America (BAC) right now. Like Royal Dutch Shell, this big bank has been forming a well-formed uptrending channel since the end of 2013. And now, with BAC riding its trend line support level this week, the best time to buy comes on its next leg up off of that support level.

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy for a Market Bounce

BofA's 50-day moving average has been a solid proxy for support since December. That's important because it makes managing this trade a lot easier. Keep a stop under the 50-day, and you don't have to worry about what BofA does in the interim while it bounces in the channel; if the pattern breaks, you'll already be stopped out.

Relative strength has looked solid in Bank of America since November. That's an important piece of confirmation over this stock's ability to catch a bid at support. From a statistical standpoint, stocks with relative strength uptrends tend to continue to outperform the market on a rolling three-to-ten month time horizon.

JPMorgan Chase

Not all big bank names look like BAC right now, though. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) looks outright bearish right now. That's thanks to a head and shoulders top that shares have been forming since November. So while one big bank has been delivering stellar performance, JPM has been looking toppy.

>>5 Dividend Stocks That Want to Give You a Raise

The head and shoulders is formed by three swing highs: two on the sides that max out around the same price level (the shoulders) and a higher one in between (the head). The sell signal comes on a move through the pattern's "neckline," which is right at $54 at the moment. The right shoulder is still forming right now, which might be confused with a bullish move. Ultimately the only thing that matters is the breakdown: If shares slip below $54, it's time to sell (or short) shares.

Momentum had been looking solid for JPM through the end of 2013, but RSI reversed into a downtrend when the head formed in the price pattern. That's pretty typical of a top. But despite any confirmation, it's critical to remember that the sell signal does change until price actually violates the neckline.

To see this week's trades in action, check out the Must-See Charts portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Jonas Elmerraji in Baltimore.

RELATED LINKS:

>>5 Tech Stocks to Trade for Gains

>>3 Stocks Under $10 Moving Higher

>>4 Stocks Breaking Out on Big Volume

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in the names mentioned.

Jonas Elmerraji, CMT, is a senior market analyst at Agora Financial in Baltimore and a contributor to

TheStreet. Before that, he managed a portfolio of stocks for an investment advisory returned 15% in 2008. He has been featured in Forbes , Investor's Business Daily, and on CNBC.com. Jonas holds a degree in financial economics from UMBC and the Chartered Market Technician designation.

Follow Jonas on Twitter @JonasElmerraji

5 Stocks Ready to Explode Higher

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- I love to scan the markets for stocks that have the potential to go up a massive amount in a very short timeframe. Who wouldn't, right? It's not any easy thing to do, but when you've looked at as many chart patterns for as long as I have, it starts to become second nature. You start to see chart patterns and setups that work over and over again--or at least have a high probability of working.

>>5 Stocks Hedge Funds Love

One of my recent finds that has blown even my expectations away is China-based health care player Dehaier Medical Systems (DHRM), which I featured in Jan. 16's "5 Stocks Under $10 Set to Soar" at $4.75 share. That chart was screaming at me when I found it, because DHRM was already in a strong uptrend and was setting up to break out into new 52-week-high territory. That's exactly what DHRM did, and as I type this the stock has tagged an intraday high today of $12.39 a share. That's a ridiculous gain of over 100% in just one month.

Now, not all setups are going to work or produce explosive moves.. This is Wall Street, after all, and they don't like to make it easy for us. That being said, if you know how to locate high-quality setups, then you just have to wait for price and volume to confirm that a big move could be in the cards.

>>5 Stocks Set to Soar on Bullish Earnings

With that in mind, here's a look at five stocks that could be setting up for explosive moves higher soon.

TearLabs

One health care player to watch here is TearLabs (TEAR), which engages in developing and commercializing TearLab Osmolarity System, a proprietary in vitro diagnostic tear testing platform that measures tear film osmolarity for the diagnosis of dry eye disease. This stock has been destroyed by the bears over the last six months, with shares off sharply by 50%.

If you take a look at the chart for TearLabs, you'll notice that this stock has been downtrending badly over the last six months, with shares falling from its high of $15.18 to its recent low of $6 a share. During that downtrend, shares of TEAR have been making mostly lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of TEAR into extremely oversold territory, since its current relative strength index reading is 30.78. Oversold can always get more oversold, but shares of TEAR are starting to perk up here and the stock could be setting up for a monster move higher.

>>5 Biotech Stocks to Trade in February

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in TEAR if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels $6.49 to $6.86 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 566,432 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then TEAR will set up for a powerful bounce higher off oversold levels that could easily take this stock back towards its 50-day moving average at $8.44 or even its 200-day moving average at $10.50 a share.

Traders can look to buy TEAR off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its recent low of $6 a share. One can also buy TEAR off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Ariad Pharmaceuticals

If you're looking for the next DHRM, then I suggest you take a hard look at Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA), which focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines for cancer patients.  This stock has been on fire over the last three months, with shares up sharply by 244%.

>>5 Oversold Stocks Ready to Rebound

If you take a look at the chart for Ariad Pharmaceuticals, you'll notice that this stock been uptrending strong over the last three months, with shares soaring higher from its low of $2.15 to its recent high of $9.83 a share with strong upside volume flows. During that uptrend, shares of ARIA have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. Now that's a massive move already, but I think ARIA is just getting warmed up. This stock is starting to trend within range of triggering a major breakout trade that will give the stock a chance to re-fill some of its massive gap-down-day zone from last October that started near $19 a share.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ARIA if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $8.29 to $9.83 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 29.78 million shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then ARIA will set up to re-fill some of its previous gap-down-day zone that started near $19 a share. This stock could easily hit $13 to $16 a share if we get into that gap with volume, if not even more.

Traders can look to buy ARIA off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its 50-day at $6.52 a share or near more key support at around $6 a share. One could also buy ARIA off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

USEC

Another energy player that could be setting up for a monster move higher is USEC (USU), which engages in the supply of low enriched uranium for commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S., Japan and internationally. This stock has been annihilated by the sellers over the last six months, with shares off by 75%.

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy for a Market Bounce

If you take a look at the chart for USEC, you'll notice that this stock has been downtrending badly over the last six months, with shares plunging lower from its high of $29.12 to its recent low of $3.36 a share. During that downtrend, shares of USU have been making mostly lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of USU have recent formed a double bottom chart pattern at $4.25 to $4.30 a share. This stock is now starting trend up a bit off those support levels and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a major breakout trade above a key downtrend line.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in USU if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $5.19 to $5.40 a share and then once it takes out its 50-day at $5.77 to $5.89 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 671,350 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then USU could easily explode to the upside since the stock is so beaten-down from its former highs. This stock could easily hit $7 to $9 a share very quickly if buyers start to step in.

Traders can look to buy USU off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below those double bottom support areas at $4.30 to $4.25 a share. One can also buy USU off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Plug Power

An alternative energy player that could be setting up for an explosive move higher is Plug Power (PLUG), which engages in the design, development, commercialization, and manufacture of fuel cell systems for the industrial off-road markets worldwide. This stock has been exploding to the upside so far in 2014, with shares up a massive 142%.

>>4 Hot Stocks on Traders' Radars

If you look at the chart for Plug Power, you'll notice that this stock has been uptrending over the last month, with shares moving higher from is low of $2.22 to its intraday high of $3.84 a share. During that uptrend, shares of PLUG have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move is now starting to push shares of PLUG within range of triggering a major breakout trade. This chart reminds me of DHRM's breakout right before it went on to trade up over 100%.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in PLUG if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $4.20 to its 52-week high at $4.90 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 20.19 million shares. If that breakout hits soon, then PLUG will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $8 to $10 a share.

Traders can look to buy PLUG off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right around some near-term support at $3 a share or close to its 50-day moving average of $2.60 a share. One can also buy PLUG off strength once it starts to clear those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Skystar Bio Pharmaceuticals

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My final idea that could be preparing for a massive move higher is Skystar Bio Pharmaceutical (SKBI), which engages in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of veterinary health care and medical care products in the People's Republic of China. This stock has been in play with the bulls over the last six months, with shares up big by 167%.

If you look at the chart for Skystar Bio Pharmaceutical, you'll notice that this stock has been uptrending strong over the last two months, with shares moving higher from its low of $3.22 to its recent high of $4.77 a share. During that uptrend, shares of SKBI have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move is quickly pushing shares of SKBI within range of triggering a major breakout trade.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SKBI if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $4.77 to $5 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 76,215 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then SKBI will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $5.94 to its 52-week high at $6.50 a share. If $6.50 gets taken out with volume, then SKBI could easily tag $7.50 to $8.50 a share.

Traders can look to buy SKBI off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its 50-day moving average of $3.89 a share. One can also buy SKBI off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a conformable percentage from your entry point.

To see more stocks that could be setting up for monster moves higher soon, check out the Explosive Stock Watchlist portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

RELATED LINKS:

>>5 Tech Stocks to Trade for Gains This Week

>>5 Dividend Stocks That Want to Give You a Raise

>>3 Stocks Under $10 to Trade for Breakouts

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Roberto Pedone, based out of Delafield, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on technical analysis for small- and large-cap stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. Roberto studied international business at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany. His work has appeared on financial outlets including

CNBC.com and Forbes.com. You can follow Pedone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zerosum24 or @zerosum24.

GM CEO Barra gets 58% more than Akerson

General Motors, the target of sniping over new CEO Mary Barra's pay, disclosed earlier than usual that her compensation this year will be $14.4 million — but just $1.6 million as a direct salary.

GM said that's 58% more than the $9.1 million total compensation in 2012 of her predecessor, Dan Akerson, who retired in January. GM hasn't yet disclosed what Akerson got in 2013, but the Associated Press reported GM said it was about the same as in 2012.

In an unusual move, GM disclosed its CEO's full compensation package before its proxy filing in April because the automaker wanted to "correct misperceptions created by comparisons that used only a portion of Barra's overall compensation."

After becoming the first big car company to put a woman in the corner office, GM chafed at published reports last week and remarks by politicians and commentators that it was underpaying her because of her gender.

Those were based on compensation numbers that failed to note her long-term compensation, because GM had not disclosed that at the time.

CEOs get a large portion of their compensation in awards tied to stock performance, to ensure their interests and stockholders' are the same.

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Barra's package is $1.6 million in salary, $2.8 million in short-term incentives and $10 million in long-term compensation.

GM did not say how the non-salary sums will be determined or awarded.

But GM Chairman Tim Solso said in a statement that, "As a new CEO, Mary's total compensation is in line with her peer group and properly weighted so that most is at-risk."

He said, "The company's performance will ultimately determine how much she is paid."

GM had planned to lay out the specifics of Barra's compensation later, because it's not final until approved by stockholders in June.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- All three major indices closed near the highs of the day on Friday.

On CNBC's "Fast Money" TV show, Guy Adami, managing director of stockmonster.com, said Exxon Mobil (XOM) could still have upside potential, but those looking to buy now are a "little late to the game."

Warren Buffett recently purchased 40 million shares of Exxon Mobil for $3.1 billion, so the price is naturally rising.

Brian Kelly, founder of Brian Kelly Capital, said WTI crude oil keeps going lower because more and more supply keeps coming online. He suggested shorting Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD).

Tim Seymour, managing partner of Triogem Asset Management, said he likes XOM and General Electric (GE). Stuart Frankel & Company's Steve Grasso said the refinery stocks should keep benefiting if WTI crude keeps going lower, but acknowledged the stocks seem to be getting a little too extended. Bill McDermott, co-CEO of SAP AG (SAP), was a guest on the show and said his company is very focused on China. He added that the country has a ton of potential with the cloud and in big data. McDermott said that constant innovation allows it to stay ahead of its competition and it is currently focused on growing organically, not through M&A. Seymour said emerging markets won't be able to rally without the participation of China. He added that likes SAP, Pepsico (PEP) and Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN). If China continues to lessen restrictions within the country, Grasso said he likes Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN). Kelly said he would be a buyer of J.P. Morgan (JPM) if it can break above, and hold, $55. Grasso said investors could keep buying the dip in shares of Pandora (P), but should use a 3% trailing stop-loss. Adami said GameStop (GME) will likely rally into earnings but investors should sell out and possibly even get short if it can't get through $61.

U.S. Steel (X) was the first stock on the show's "Pops & Drop" segment and Grasso said he is neither a buyer or a short-seller of the stock. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) fell 3% and Kelly said an unfavorable EPA decision will hinder it going forward. Zulily (ZU) cruised 71% higher and Adami said there's no reason for investors to buy the the stock. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers (JOSB) was up 1% and Seymour said management will continue to hunt for the best way to unlock more value for shareholders. Kelly said investors should be cautious of Japanese equities after its yields jumped so high in the overnight session. He added that he is still long the WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity ETF (DXJ), but suggested investors be aware of the situation. For their final trades, Seymour was a buyer of Clean Energy (CLNE) and Adami was buying Cisco Systems (CSCO). Grasso said to buy Disney (DIS) and Kelly was a buyer of iShares MSCI Mexico Capped ETF (EWW). -- Written by Bret Kenwell in Petoskey, Mich. Follow @BretKenwell Follow TheStreet.com on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: United States Cellular Corporation(USM)

United States Cellular Corporation operates as a wireless telecommunications service provider in the United States. The company offers wireless voice and data services to retail consumer and business customers. It provides wireless services in postpaid service plans with voice, messaging, and data services; and prepaid service plans with minutes, messaging, and data services for a monthly fee. The company also offers various additional features, including caller ID blocking, call forwarding, voicemail, call waiting, and three-way calling; and data usage features consisting of Web browsing, email services, instant messaging, text messaging, and picture and video messaging. As of December 31, 2010, it provided wireless voice and data services to 6.1 million customers in 26 states. In addition, the company operates retail stores that sell a range of wireless devices, including handsets, modems, and tablets, as well as accessories, such as carrying cases, hands-free devices, b atteries, battery chargers, memory cards, and other items to consumers and small businesses. Further, it sells wireless devices to agents and other third-party distributors for resale; operates service facilities that provide servicing and repair for wireless devices; and enables customers to activate service and purchase wireless devices online. The company?s business customers include small-to-mid-size businesses in various industries, including construction, retail, professional services, and real estate. It offers its products and services through retail sales and service centers, direct sales, and independent agents. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. United States Cellular Corporation is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Radovsky]

  T-Mobile US (NYSE: TMUS  ) has agreed to purchase 10 MHz of Advanced Wireless Services spectrum from U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM  ) for $308 million, T-Mobile announced today.

• [By Reuters]

  Michael Sohn/APSprint CEO Dan Hesse Sprint has been ranked last among U.S. cellphone service operators in a customer satisfaction survey by the influential Consumer Reports organization, scoring dismal marks for measures ranging from voice to 4G reliability. No-frills carrier Consumer Cellular received the highest overall score of 88 out of 100, followed by U.S. Cellular (USM) with 75. Sprint received the lowest score of 59, faring the worst in terms of value, voice, text and 4G services. The annual ratings were based on a September survey of 58,399 cellphone service subscribers by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, which publishes widely followed surveys and reviews of everything from cars to refrigerators. In last year's survey, Sprint (S) trailed only Verizon Wireless among the four major carriers. Verizon Wireless (VZ) (VOD) ranked highest again this year with a score of 71. T-Mobile US (TMUS) rated 65 and AT&T (T) 64, according to survey results released Thursday. The rankings are based on ratings for voice, text and 4G, taking into account the occurrence of problems and adjusted for frequency of use. Sprint has been revamping its network after years of customer losses. The company, which is 80 percent owned by SoftBank, warned in October that customer defections would remain high in coming quarters. The company reported a decline in third-quarter revenue as it lost more subscribers than expected following the shutdown of its older network. "Our latest cell service satisfaction survey revealed a somewhat precipitous decline by Sprint that shuffled the rankings of the major standard service providers," Glenn Derene, Electronics Content Development Team Leader for Consumer Reports, said in a statement.

  Mint made the Mac App Store's Best of 2012 list for a reason. This simple, clean app shows how much you are spending in each category of your budget by monitoring all of your transactions. We love signing in and getting a quick,

• [By Tim Beyers]

  Low price-to-book stocks suffer from a similar problem. Who cares if the stock sells for a discount to its assets if the company can't earn a good return on said assets? United States Cellular (NYSE: USM  ) has seen its returns on assets and equity decline steadily since 2011. Thus, despite a history of trading near or below book value, the stock is down 22% since the beginning of last year.
  
  Investment strategies are just that: strategies. Recognize that every company is different. Analyze the underlying strengths and weaknesses before you buy. Because the more you understand about what drives a business to grow, the more likely it is you'll pay a fair price to own a piece of it, Tim says.
  
  Do you agree? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take, and then leave a comment to let us know which investment strategies have worked best for you.

• [By Evan Niu, CFA]

  Wireless carrier U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM  ) will get Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) iPhone "later this year," the company has announced.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: The Think Environmental Co Ltd (A78.SI)

LionGold Corp Ltd., an investment holding company, engages in gold mining, mine developing, and exploring activities primarily in Ghana and Australia. The company primarily holds interest in the Konongo gold project, which comprises 16 gold deposits; and the Kashmir property in Ghana. It is also involved in engineering, procurement, and construction activities; waste management; and manufacturing and selling office equipment. The company, formerly known as The Think Environmental Co Ltd., was incorporated in 2004 and is based in Singapore.

Top 10 Penny Stocks To Own For 2015: The Cushing MLP Total Return Fund(SRV)

Cushing MLP Total Return Fund is a closed-end mutual fund launched by Swank Capital, LLC. The fund is managed by Swank Energy Income Advisors L.P. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe with a focus in United States. The fund typically invests in MLPs, Other Natural Resource Companies, and global commodities. It primarily invests in the securities of MLPs, other equity securities, debt securities, and securities of non-U.S. issuers employing a fundamental analysis. Cushing MLP Total Return Fund was formed on May 23, 2007 and is domiciled in Dallas.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Torotrak(TRK.L)

Torotrak plc engages in the design and development of traction drive systems for vehicle makers and transmission manufacturers in Europe, North America, India, and Japan. The company licenses its patented traction drive technology for use in main drive transmissions for vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and small cars; variable drive pressure charging for fuel economy; and mechanical flywheels that recover braking energy. It also provides engineering consultancy services, including supporting projects through advice and helping customers to apply the Torotrak plc?s technology. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Leyland, the United Kingdom.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Independent Bank Corp.(INDB)

Independent Bank Corp. operates as the bank holding company for Rockland Trust Company that provides various banking services in Massachusetts. It offers various deposit products, including demand deposits, interest checking accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and money market accounts. The company?s loan portfolio comprises commercial and industrial loans to business and corporate enterprises for working capital and other business-related purposes, and floor plan financing; commercial real estate loans that include commercial mortgages that are secured by non-residential properties, as well as mortgages for construction loans on non-residential properties; and small business loans to businesses with commercial credit needs. It also provides consumer real estate loans, which consist of residential mortgages, and home equity loans and lines that are secured primarily by owner-occupied residences; mortgages for the construction of residential properties; and consumer loans that comprise personal loans, automobile loans, installment loans, and overdraft protection. In addition, the company offers investment management and trust services to individuals, institutions, small businesses, and charitable institutions. Independent Bank Corp. operates 67 full service and 3 limited service retail branches, 8 commercial banking centers, 4 investment management offices, and 4 mortgage lending centers. The company was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Rockland, Massachusetts.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: First Security Group Inc.(FSGI)

First Security Group, Inc. operates as the holding company for FSGBank that provides banking and financial products and services to various communities in eastern and middle Tennessee and northern Georgia. The company offers various deposit services, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. It offers commercial loans, including loans to smaller business ventures, credit lines for working capital, short-term seasonal or inventory financing, and letters of credit; real estate?construction and development loans to residential and commercial contractors and developers; and consumer loans to individuals for personal, family, and household purposes, including secured and unsecured installment and term loans. The company also offers commercial mortgage loans to finance the purchase of real property; commercial leasing for new and used equipment, fixtures, and furnishings to owner-managed businesses; and leasing for forklifts, heavy equipment, and other machinery to owner-managed businesses primarily in the trucking and construction industries. It also provides trust and investment management, mortgage banking, financial planning, and electronic banking services, such as Internet banking, online bill payment, cash management, ACH originations, wire transfers, direct deposit, traveler?s checks, safe deposit boxes, United States savings bonds, and remote deposit capture, as well as equipment leasing. The company operates 38 full-service banking offices and 1 loan and lease production office. Its market areas include in Bradley, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe, Putnam, and Union counties, Tennessee; and Catoosa and Whitfield counties, Georgia. First Security Group was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ning Jia]

  The case for First Security Group (FSGI) is interesting. It is bank holding company that is obscure, cheap and unloved. As the company completed the recapitalization earlier this year, I think the market has been under-appreciating its potential to return to growth and profitability as a result of the much-needed recapitalization.

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  First Security Group (FSGI) operates as the holding company for FSGBank, which provides banking products and services to various communities in Tennessee and Georgia. This stock closed up 6.5% to $2.29 in Tuesday's trading session.

  Tuesday's Range: $2.16-$2.30
  
  52-Week Range: $1.30-$7.45
  
  Tuesday's Volume: 80,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 509,606

  From a technical perspective, FSGI ripped higher here right above some near-term support levels at $2.14 to $2.12 with lighter-than-average volume. This move is quickly pushing shares of FSGI within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That trade will hit if FSGI manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.38 to $2.52 and then once it clears its 200-day moving average at $2.80 with high volume.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in FSGI as long as it's trending above some key support levels at $2.14 to $2.12 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 509,606 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then FSGI will set up to re-fill some of its previous gap down zone from June that started at $5.08.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Vodafone Group(VOD.L)

Vodafone Group Public Limited Company provides mobile telecommunication services worldwide. It offers mobile voice services to approximately 370 million customers; messaging services; mobile data services; fixed broadband services to approximately 6 million customers; and whole sale carrier services to approximately 40 African countries. The company also provides business managed services, such as secure remote network access services, as well as operates and sells mobile virtual network access. In addition, it supplies smartphones and tablets; designs, manufactures, and sells handsets under the Vodafone brand; and supplies connected smart devices, such as 4G/LTE mobile broadband stick, and Vodafone WebBox that enables customer to connect to the Internet through television sets. The company directly owns and manages approximately 2,200 stores, as well as has approximately 10,300 Vodafone-branded stores operated through franchises and dealer arrangements. It also offers its products and services through third party services providers, independent dealers, distributors, and retailers, as well as through Internet. Vodafone Group Plc was founded in 1984 and is based in Newbury, the United Kingdom.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: El Tigre Silver Corp (ELS.V)

El Tigre Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metals properties in Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, lead, copper, zinc, and PGM resource properties. It focuses on its 100% owned El Tigre Silver Property, which consists of eight exploration mining concessions covering 43,166 hectare land package located in Sonora, Mexico, as well as holds one additional 32 hectare claim separate from the El Tigre Silver Property. The company was formerly known as Herdron Capital Corp. and changed its name to El Tigre Silver Corp. in March 2010. El Tigre Silver Corp. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Harvard Bioscience Inc.(HBIO)

Harvard Bioscience, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets apparatus and scientific instruments used in life science research in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities, and government laboratories in the United States and internationally. The company?s products target ADMET testing, and molecular biology and liquid handling application areas. Its ADMET testing products comprise absorption diffusion chambers that measure the absorption of a drug into the bloodstream; well equilibrium dialysis plates for serum protein binding assays; organ testing systems; infusion pumps for infusing liquids; behavioral products used in neuroscience, cardiology, psychological, and respiratory studies to evaluate the effects of situational stimuli, drugs, and nutritional infusions on motor and sensory, activity, and learning and test behavior; cell injection systems; ventilators; and electroporation products. The company also distributes various devices, instruments, and c onsumable items used in experiments involving cells, tissues, organs, and animals in the fields of proteomics, physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, and toxicology. It sells its ADMET testing products under the Harvard Apparatus, BTX, KD Scientific, Hugo Sachs Elektronik, Panlab, and Warner Instruments brands names. Its molecular biology and liquid handling products include molecular biology spectrophotometers, DNA/RNA/protein calculators, multi-well plate readers, amino acid analysis systems, liquid dispensers, gel electrophoresis systems, and consumables primarily consisting of pipettes, pipette tips, autoradiography films, gloves, thermal cycler accessories, and reagents. The company sells its products to researchers through catalogs, its Website, and distributors, as well as directly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Canada. Harvard Bioscience, Inc. was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Hollisto n, Massachusetts.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc(VRX)

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and markets pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology, dermatology, and branded generics. It offers Wellbutrin XL to treat depressive disorders; Xenazine to treat chorea associated with Huntington?s disease; CeraVe to rebuild and repair skin barrier; and Kinerase, a cosmetic product. The company also provides Zovirax ointment to treat initial genital herpes; Xerese to treat recurrent herpes labialis; Elidel to treat atopic dermatitis; and Acanya and Atralin gels to treat acne vulgaris. In addition, it offers Cesamet to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy; Tiazac XC to treat hypertension and angina; Wellbutrin to treat depressive illness; Sublinox to treat insomnia; and Lodalis to treat hypercholesterolemia. Further, the company provides Cold-FX to strengthen immune system; Duromine/Metermine for weight loss; Difflam to treat sore throa ts; and Duro-Tuss and Rikodeine to treat dry and chesty cough, as well as various branded generics for treatments, including antibiotics, treatments for cardiovascular and neurological diseases, antifungal medications, and diabetic therapies. Additionally, it offers Bisocard to treat hypertension and angina pectoris; Flucinar, a corticosteroid ointment; and Sachol mouth ulcer gel; Bedoyecta to treat neurotic pain; M.V.I., a hospital dietary supplement for trauma and burns; Tandene to treat fever and headache; Melleril to treat anxiety and depression; and products for therapeutic classes, such as vitamin deficiency, antibacterials, and dermatology. It markets its products in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, southeast Asia, and South Africa. The company was formerly known as Biovail Corporation and changed its name to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. in September 2010. The company was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in M ississauga, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Keith Speights]

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

• [By Sean Williams]

  Another factor that can't be overlooked is that Endo hasn't been shy about putting the for-sale sign out in the front yard. In late January, Warner Chilcott�and Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX  ) were both rumored to be interested in acquiring Endo. Things have certainly changed since then, with Actavis�(formerly Watson Pharmaceuticals) purchasing Warner Chilcott and Valeant currently arranging financing to purchase privately held eye products maker Bausch & Lomb for $8.7 billion. That shouldn't, however, discourage other suitors looking for hybrid growth in both branded and generic drugs from making a play for the very profitable Endo.

• [By Sean Williams]

  What: Shares of Hyperion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HPTX  ) , a biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for orphan diseases and hepatology, rose as much as 10% after receiving orphan drug exclusivity status for Ravicti from the Food and Drug Administration, and exercising an option to acquire two additional urea cycle drugs from Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX  ) .

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  Most of that value has come from a few large transactions, notably Valeant Pharmaceutical Intl Inc.'s (NYSE: VRX) $8.7 billion acquisition of Bausch + Lomb, and Actavis PLC's (NYSE: ACT) $8.5 billion purchase of Warner Chillcott PLC.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: G4G Resources Ltd (GXG.V)

G4G Resources Ltd. engages in the exploration and development of various iron ore projects in Canada. The company was formerly known as SYMC Resources Limited and changed its name to G4G Resources Ltd. in October 2007. G4G Resources Ltd. was incorporated in 1987 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Hudson Investment Group Ltd (HGL.AX)

Hudson Investment Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, engages in the investment, development, and management of commercial properties in Australia and New Zealand. It also processes and distributes attapulgite, an industrial clay material used in the domestic and industrial absorbent, industrial oil refining, agricultural, and horticultural industries, as well as produces a range of consumer products, such as pet litter and clean-up products. In addition, the company is involved in the exploration and development of coal mining leases; and provision of corporate financial, and car parking services. Further, it invests in listed and unlisted shares and businesses. The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: DigitalGlobe Inc (DGI)

DigitalGlobe, Inc. provides commercial earth imagery products and information services worldwide. It collects imagery products and services through its QuickBird, WorldView-1, and WorldView-2 satellites, as well as aerial and satellite imagery from third party suppliers. The company offers a range of online and offline distribution options, including desktop software applications; Web services, which provide direct online access to the company�s image library; file transfer protocol; physical media, such as CD, DVD, and hard drive; and direct access program that facilitates certain customers to task and download data from its WorldView-1 and WorldView-2 satellites. Its imagery products and services support various uses, including defense, intelligence and homeland security, mapping and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, and infrastructure management. DigitalGlobe, Inc. serves defense contractors; civil government agencies; providers of location-b ased services; and various companies in energy, telecommunications, utility, forestry, mining, financial services, environmental, and agricultural industries through direct and indirect channels. The company was formerly known as EarthWatch, Incorporated and changed its name to DigitalGlobe, Inc. in August 2002. DigitalGlobe, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Longmont, Colorado. DigitalGlobe, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Maxx Chatsko]

  The second well-researched pick that worked out in the long run was satellite manufacturer GeoEye. After a few balks, the company was acquired by DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI  ) . Similar to Hess, GeoEye was caught in a temporary downturn caused by short-term-minded investors. The company still held the highest-resolution commercial remote-sensing satellite and, despite having a smaller geospatial archive than DigitalGlobe, was 3.6 times more efficient in turning its imagery into revenue. The company was trading at $19 per share 13 months ago, but ended life as an independent company at over $35 per share.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI  ) reported earnings on May 7. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), DigitalGlobe missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Valero Energy Corporation(VLO)

Valero Energy Corporation operates as an independent petroleum refining and marketing company. The company operates through three segments: Refining, Ethanol, and Retail. The Refining segment engages in refining, wholesale marketing, product supply and distribution, and transportation operations. It produces conventional gasoline, distillates, jet fuel, asphalt, petrochemicals, lubricants, and other refined products. This segment also offers conventional blendstock for oxygenate blending, reformulated gasoline blendstock for oxygenate blending, gasoline meeting the specifications of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), CARB diesel fuel, low-sulfur and ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel. The Ethanol segment produces ethanol and distillers grains. The Retail segment sells transportation fuels at retail stores and unattended self-service cardlocks; convenience store merchandise and services in retail stores; and home heating oil to residential customers. Valero Energy Corpora tion markets its refined products through bulk and rack marketing network; and sells refined products through a network of approximately 6,800 retail and wholesale branded outlets under the Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar, Beacon, and Texaco names in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Aruba, and Ireland. As of December 31, 2011, it owned 16 petroleum refineries with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.0 million barrels per day; and operated 10 ethanol plants with a combined nameplate production capacity of approximately 1.1 billion gallons per year. The company was formerly known as Valero Refining and Marketing Company and changed its name to Valero Energy Corporation in August 1997. Valero Energy Corporation was founded in 1955 and is based in San Antonio, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Grace L. Williams]

  Valero Energy (VLO) will report earnings on Jan. 29 and analyst Ann Kohler of Imperial Capital is bullish on them today. She raised the oil company�� price target to $49 from $41 and maintained an In-Line rating. In the note, Kohler wrote:

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: BlackRock New Jersey Municipal Income Trust (BNJ)

BlackRock New Jersey Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc. It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests in various portfolios of municipal securities. The fund invests in companies operating across hospital; housing; transportation; tobacco; power; industrial and pollution control; education; and water and sewer sector. BlackRock New Jersey Municipal Income Trust was formed in 2001 and is domiciled in United States.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Buy For 2014: Packaging Corporation of America(PKG)

Packaging Corporation of America produces and sells containerboard and corrugated products in the United States. Its corrugated packaging products, include conventional shipping containers used to protect and transport manufactured goods; and multi-color boxes and displays with strong that help to merchandise the packaged product in retail locations. The company also offers meat boxes and wax-coated boxes for the agricultural industry. Packaging Corporation sells its products through direct sales and marketing organization. The company was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ray Merola]

  International Paper Co Share Price versus Competitors RockTenn (RKT), MeadWestvaco Corp (MWV), Packaging Corporation of America (PKG), and S&P 500 (March 2009-to-date)

• [By Asit Sharma]

  Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG  )
  Packaging Corporation of America is a manufacturer of containerboard, the paperboard used to make corrugated boxes. The company also produces corrugated and heavy-duty packaging, retail packaging and displays, and office storage boxes. PCA has exposure to increased shipping and packaging due to an active U.S. economy, and it has executed well over the last year: It grew revenue 12.5% over the prior year as of its most recently reported quarter, and it posts a very decent quarterly profit margin of more than 8%. At $2.9 billion in sales, PCA is relatively small, but it sports a healthy balance sheet and pays a dividend that currently yields 3.2%.�Combine each of these characteristics with potential for continued growth, and you can see why the company's stock is up more than 80% in the last year on a total-return basis.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Analysts are expecting Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) to have earned $0.89 per share on revenue of $831.79 million in the third quarter. Packaging Corp shares gained 0.86% to close at $57.60 on Friday.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) is projected to post its Q3 earnings at $0.89 per share on revenue of $831.79 million.

  China Finance Online Co (NASDAQ: JRJC) is expected to post its Q4 earnings.