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Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOR) and Under Armour Inc. (NYSE: UA) may seem to have little to nothing in common on the surface. Questcor is in the pharmaceutical business, while Under Armour is the sports apparel and casual wear business. The world has now seen that Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ONXX) is being acquired for some $10.4 billion. The commonality between Questcor and Under Armour is that they were featured on the same recent high growth list of public companies expected to double their revenues over the next two to four years. Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOR) is growing with its Acthar Gel drug, because of uses in multiple sclerosis, rheumatology and other conditions. Its sales were $509 million in 2012 and its sales had already doubled. The Thomson Reuters estimates are about $725 million in revenue for 2013 and $910 million in revenue for 2014, with potential blockbuster levels over $1 billion in 2015. This company is controversial and short sellers have tried to send it to showers before. If an emerging cancer player can be bought for over $10 billion, does $4 billion in market cap make this one too expensive to buy? Under Armour Inc. (NYSE: UA) is now a solid competitor with Nike or Adidas in many segments of sporting goods and apparel, and its market cap was recently about $7.6 billion. The company doubled its sales from 2009 to 2012, up to $1.8 billion, and it plans to do so again. The Thomson Reuters consensus target is $2.75 billion by the end of 2014, but the promise to doubles sales came from its own management team as its CEO detailed a plan to reach $4 billion in revenue by 2016. We do not want to be in the business of circulating the next buyout lists and the next hot rumor stocks. At the same time, any time you see sales hitting a double and still expected to double it is something that has to grab your attention. We would also point out that Under Armour has been the subject of speculation in the past for acquisition targets, although we will leave it up to you to decide if the market cap is now getting too high to justify an acquisition. Questcor remains a company caught up in controversy between the bulls and bears, and as of now we and other firms count it as being a one-hit company. Buying growth is nothing new and the Amgen-Onyx buyout will not be the last aggressive growth acquisition. When companies can no longer achieve great growth on their own, chances are high that they will start to look elsewhere for new growth opportunities. They can either start new initiatives or they can go buy that growth opportunity.
 www.amazon.com Netflix (NFLX) is running away with the video streaming market. A report by Internet traffic researcher Sandvine shows that Netflix is responsible for 34.2 percent of the information superhighway's peak downstream traffic. We're not talking about more than a third of the video streaming market. We're talking about more than a third of all of the Web's downstream traffic. The only company that's even close is Amazon.com (AMZN). Amazon's Prime Instant -- the video catalog of movies and TV shows that the leading online retailer makes available to its Amazon Prime customers at no additional cost -- is slurping up 1.9 percent of the peak downstream usage. Amazon added potentially game-changing content this week. And let's not forget about the potential of its new Fire TV. Content is King On Wednesday it added content from Time Warner's (TWX) HBO -- entire runs of classic shows including "The Sopranos," "The Wire" and "Six Feet Under," alongside older episodes of current shows, including "Girls" and "Boardwalk Empire." This is a big score for Amazon, especially since HBO is unlikely to ever let Netflix get its hands on this content. HBO sees Netflix as the enemy. A lot of cable titans do. Striking content licensing deals with Netflix makes it stronger, increasing the chances of subscribers canceling their cable or satellite television plans. This could explain why Viacom (VIA) went with Amazon as a streaming outlet for some of its Nickelodeon and Comedy Central content after its deal with Netflix expired. Making Amazon's content stronger makes it less likely that a single video platform will replace pay TV subscriptions. Netflix has scored critical praise for "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black," and Amazon is also beefing up its homegrown content. Last year's debut of "Alpha Dogs" and "Betas" were its first forays, but they failed to generate the buzz that Netflix has built for its exclusive programming. Now Amazon is setting its sights on kid-friendly entertainment with Friday's release of "Tumble Leaf." The animated series is the work of Emmy-winning director Drew Hodges and Bix Pix Entertainment. It's aiming for preschool-aged children. If it doesn't catch on -- or even if it does -- Amazon has two more kid-friendly shows for Prime Instant. "Creative Galaxy," from the folks that made "Blue's Clues" a preschool smash, will follow next month. The live-action "Annedroids" will start streaming in July. Kids can be finicky, especially when it comes to new shows with new characters. However, we know that once young children are hooked, that they don't mind watching the same episodes again and again. All Amazon needs is a single hit to become an essential service for young families. Putting Out the Fire A ton of HBO shows and a new show for preschool kids will enhance the value of Prime Instant, and that's a good thing since the cost recently was increased 24 percent to $99 a year. Amazon will need to improve distribution. Set-top media players, video game consoles and many DVD players come with seamless access to Netflix. Some Blu-ray players even have a Netflix button on the remote. Amazon's doing a good job of getting its video platform into devices, but its boldest move on that front was last month's debut of Fire TV. The $99 set-top player is competing against Google's (GOOG) Chromecast, Roku and Apple (AAPL) TV for attention, but it does place Amazon content front and center. Amazon has a lot to gain here. Unlike Netflix, which has refused to offer newer movies or current shows on a pay-per-view basis, Amazon offers that content as individual streaming purchases. If Fire TV catches on -- and Amazon has proven with the Kindle and the Kindle Fire that it can price its hardware aggressively -- it will introduce more people into its ecosystem. This week's content additions make Amazon's Prime Instant that much more compelling. More from Rick Aristotle Munarriz
•Wall Street This Week: Good News from AutoZone, Costco? •Best Buy Surprises the Street with Lighter Sales, Better Margins •Walmart and McDonald's Earnings Prove Price Isn't Everything
   Popular Posts: 5 Dividend Stocks You Never Saw Comin’This Year’s 5 Hottest Marijuana StocksSears Holdings (SHLD): A Ticking Time Bomb That’s Speeding Up Recent Posts: Sears Holdings – The Clock Is Ticking for SHLD Don’t Let Weakness in Small Caps Send You Overseas Best Buy Earnings – The 3 Biggest Things to Watch View All Posts Another decline in quarterly revenue came as no surprise when Sears Holdings (SHLD) reported first quarter results on Thursday morning. The retailer has been shedding revenue-bearing properties like Lands’ End (LE) in earnest for about three years now, while simultaneously axing operational stores; 80 more stores have been or will be closed in 2014.  Source: Flickr What did come as a surprise is, even while the company is clearly on a path to bankruptcy, CEO Eddie Lampert continues to bang the “turnaround” drum to the few faithful Sears stock holders left. Folks, it’s over, both for the company and (sooner or later) for SHLD. It’s not a matter of “if” anymore. It’s just a matter of “when.” Bankruptcy truly may be on the horizon. Numbers Don’t Lie For those who haven’t heard, last quarter, Sears Holdings saw year-over-year sales drop by 6.8%, to $7.88 billion. By retail standards, it was a disaster, although not as disastrous as the much bigger loss the company posted for the first quarter (Sears lost $402 million, vs. $279 million in the year-ago period). More damning: It was the 29th straight quarter of falling revenue. On a per-share basis, SHLD posted a loss of $3.79 per share, versus a loss of “only” $2.63 in the first quarter of last year. And yet, Sears stock didn’t do anything like what you’d expect. Following the report, SHLD stock quickly reversed an opening loss and finished with a 4%-plus gain. The prod for the pop? Everything being relative, investors — some investors — liked the fact that things could have been much worse for Sears Holdings. And those who weren’t impressed by the relative success might have been encouraged by Lampert’s pep-talk. The master of spin once again offered hope, writing in his quarterly letter to shareholders: “Sears is undergoing a significant transformation, and we fundamentally are changing the way we do business. Our performance in the first quarter highlights the challenges we are facing as well as the progress we are making in this transformation. We are moving away from a company that was heavily based on selling products solely through a store-based network to a member-centric business model focused on providing benefits to our members anytime and anyplace. We are seeing progress in our transformation to a member-centric, integrated retailer, as we continue to invest heavily in driving our Shop Your Way program.” He used the word “progress” twice, and yet we’ve not actually seen any — in years — where it counts. He also used the word “transformation” twice, and though one could arguably call Shop Your Way a transformation, the program has yet to actually make any aspect of the business better despite its launch years ago. It’s time for a reality check. Next Page Reality Check for Sears Stock Fans & Followers Last quarter, Sears lost $402 million. Over the past 12 months, the company has lost $1.36 billion. Things aren’t getting better on the revenue front. They don’t seem to be getting any better on the earnings front, either. In fact, SHLD recently dumped one of its few profitable properties when it sold off Lands’ End. Sears says it’s closing stores that are supposed to be unproductive, but at least some of the units it has been discarding have been its fruitful locations. If Sears Holdings can’t make a go of it with its top-performing stores and divisions, can it really expect to survive with just the weak ones? As of the end of the last fiscal quarter, Sears had $831 million in cash. That’s down from $1.028 billion for the fourth quarter of last fiscal year despite the $500 million in cash received from the spinoff of Lands’ End on top of the sale of some of its stores. That trend is pointed in the wrong direction, too. Sears can tap into the $1.2 billion it has left with its credit facility, which is about a year’s worth of life at the company’s current cash-burn rate. The cash on hand should last a couple more quarters. That’s a total of a year-and-a-half worth of life left before the struggling retailer can’t pay its bills. It’s conceivable Sears Holdings could get another loan. It’s just not likely, as there’s no hope that it will ever even be able to pay back its existing debt, let alone any new debt. The so-called turnaround has been in place for years. If it hasn’t worked yet, it’s not apt to suddenly start working in mid-2014. Bottom Line There aren’t a lot of plausible outcomes here. A complete liquidation of inventory and property is still a possibility, but a fire sale of stores and merchandise would likely mean weak prices for both. Bankruptcy — though Sears has managed to sidestep that discussion thus far — is becoming a real possibility, too. A white knight with a bag full of cash might be able to step and stave off the complete annihilation of the 128-year-old name, but most likely such a buyer would only be willing to purchase Sears Holdings it at a steep discount to the value the market seems to be assigning Sears stock now. Whichever of those outcomes takes shape, none of them are actually winners for current SHLD stock holders. It looks like the beginning of the end. As of this writing, James Brumley did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
Defined benefit pension plan sponsors have been offering terminated vested participants lump-sum pension cash-outs since 2012, and this trend is likely to accelerate this year, according to Mercer, a global consulting firm. Mercer this week published a guide to help plan sponsors evaluate whether to consider a cash-out program, including misconceptions about cash outs and the firm’s recommendations. Cash outs are attractive for several reasons, according to Mercer consultant Matt McDaniel. Among them: McDaniel noted that these programs also tend to be popular with eligible participants. “Take-up rates for an effectively executed lump sum exercise can be upward of 50%,” he said in a statement. “However, the business case for pension cash-outs is driven by the unique circumstances of the plan sponsor and a cash-out will not make sense in every situation.” Holding Back According to Mercer, some plan sponsors for whom a cash-out might be appealing are waiting on the sidelines, hesitant because of concerns that can in fact be addressed. Mercer’s report identifies several misconceptions, and outlines how they may be addressed to allow for a successful risk transfer project. One major misconception is that interest rates are currently too low. Mercer said that waiting for a hike in interest rates to take action was a bet on the direction of interest rates. The report lays out more efficient ways to achieve a profit from an expected rise in interest rates. Another misconception of hesitant plan sponsors is that paying lump sums will trigger a P&L settlement charge and affect their share price. Mercer said sponsors that want to avoid settlement accounting could structure the lump-sum program to do so. “Even if settlement accounting were triggered,” it said, “the market has become more savvy about adjusting earnings for pension expense and is less likely to penalize an organization for taking prudent steps to manage risk within its pension plan.” Plan sponsors also don’t want their employees to squander their pensions. In fact, Mercer said, its experience showed that more than 80% of lump sums larger than $50,000 were rolled over into an IRA or other tax-qualified vehicle. Although participants may lose the longevity protection of an annuity benefit, a lump sum payment still provides them with the flexibility to make individualized decisions based on their financial goals and preferences, Mercer said. Moreover, a lump-sum program is voluntary, and participants who prefer the security of a lifetime annuity can keep it.
 AlamyCitizens Bank ranks the No. 1 financial institution among baby boomers. Each stage of life brings with it a unique set of challenges to overcome and benchmarks to hit -- and this is especially true when it comes to banking. Although financial institutions target millennials heavily, baby boomers (Americans born between 1946 and 1964) are still the most represented generation among today's banking customers. A December Gallup poll revealed that 89 percent of baby boomers have at least one checking, savings or money market account. With more than 75 million baby boomers in the United States, there's a greater demand for financial institutions that cater to the boomer lifestyle. 3 Things Baby Boomers Need Most From Banks The youngest baby boomers have reached seniority in the labor force, while the oldest members of this generation have entered retirement. Both ends of the spectrum have vastly different circumstances when it comes to income, but no matter their age, boomers have three main banking needs. 1. Customer Service. Customer service comes in many forms, whether from an in-person associate at a brick-and-mortar branch or an attendant at a small kiosk in a local grocery store. Boomers have grown up with institutions that rely on real-life, person-to-person transactions that allow them to talk through terms and conditions and have questions addressed. Physical bank branches are necessary in order to fulfill this service expectation. As more financial institutions have turned to online and mobile banking, some baby boomers who are slow to adapt to banking technology have been isolated as a result. 2. Retirement Planning. With the average life span in the U.S. expanding each year, and so many baby boomers on the road to retirement, the need for retirement planning resources becomes more and more pressing for many banking customers. "In my experience, the most stressful situation that baby boomers encounter is the fear of running out of money during retirement," says Jonathan Duong, a certified financial planner and president of the wealth management firm Wealth Engineers. "Although most baby boomers have several sources of retirement income, ranging from Social Security and pensions to their own retirement savings, many of them lack a true financial plan to help them understand how much they can spend in retirement," Duong says. "Not having a plan often leads to one of two negative outcomes: 1. The retiree lives a substandard retirement -- below what his or her income and savings can actually support -- due to the fear of running out of money. Or 2. The retiree overspends and then runs into the significant risk of outliving their savings." In addition to staying on top of income during retirement, boomers need the assistance of a financial adviser to understand the kinds of expenses that could become more costly over time, like health care. This awareness can mean the difference between boomers being financially unprepared in the next stage of their life or living a comfortable lifestyle after leaving the workforce. 3. Convenience. While baby boomers are seen as traditionalists when compared to Generation Y (those in their 20s and early 30s), the two generations have something in common -- they both want convenience. A 2013 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of boomers use online banking services at least weekly -- right in line with Generation X (70 percent) and Generation Y (72 percent). Millennials might be quick to adopt new technology, like mobile banking, but there are more tech-savvy boomers surfing the Web for their banking needs than previously thought. Efficiency and convenience play a major role in baby boomer satisfaction, which makes banking services like online banking and electronic bill pay appealing. 10 Best Financial Institutions for Baby Boomers Not all financial institutions are focused on the welfare of transitioning boomers, but there are a number of banks that still offer comprehensive services to this substantial population of customers. Based on specialty retirement and financial planning services, products and resources, accessibility and customer service, GOBankingRates identified the 10 best banks for baby boomers in 2014: 1. Citizens Bank -- Providence, Rhode Island 2. Frost Bank -- San Antonio, Texas (CFR) 3. Arvest Bank -- Lowell, Arkansas 4. BB&T -- Winston-Salem, North Carolina (BBT) 5. TD Bank -- Cherry Hill, New Jersey (TD) 6. Bangor Savings Bank -- Bangor, Maine 7. Huntington Bank -- Columbus, Ohio (HBAN) 8. Wells Fargo -- San Francisco (WFC) 9. USAA -- San Antonio, Texas 10. American Savings Bank -- Honolulu, Hawaii .
SAN FRANCISCO — Hewlett Packard is bracing to slash an additional 11,000 to 16,000 jobs after it announced a dip in revenue for its second quarter. The computing giant, which is in the midst of a long restructuring program by CEO Meg Whitman, on Thursday said revenue was down 1%, to $27.3 billion, from the same quarter a year ago. HP had previously announced plans to cut 34,000 jobs. The company employs about 317,500 worldwide. HP posted earnings of 88 cents per share, excluding items. Analysts had expected the earnings of 88 cents a share on $27.41 billion in revenue, according to a consensus estimate from Thomson Reuters. The total layoffs are roughly twice what HP CEO Meg Whitman initially anticipated when she undertook a 5-year turnaround plan at HP in late 2011. "We don't anticipate an additional (layoff) program," Whitman told USA TODAY. "This company has been through a lot… This is part of the program of integrating (major acquisitions), streamlining, and automating processes." "We feel good at the midpoint of our (5-year) turnaround plan," Whitman said. "Stabilization of revenue, cash flow, network security, big data, innovation, R&D spending — I feel good about where we are." Shares of HP were flat in after-hours trading, at $31.78. The company's shares touched a 52-week high of $33.90 in early April. HP made its name and fortune as a pioneer in business computing. But it has struggled the past few years to finesse the transition to mobile devices and the growing demand for cloud computing systems. While corporate rivals such as IBM have retreated from the low-margin hardware market, H-P has bolstered its computing hardware business. Yet on Thursday, HP said revenue for its enterprise group, which sells computer servers and other hardware, slipped 2% to $6.66 billion in the second q! uarter. In the previous two quarters, that group grew. "The layoffs make a lot of sense given they aren't currently able to drive their services business like they would prefer," says Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy.
Eating out tends to be synonymous with socializing, whether it's with family, friends or work colleagues. So dining alone is often perceived as a sad and lonely affair. In Amsterdam, however, two design agencies, Van Goor and Vandejong, have teamed up to eliminate this culinary stigma by creating Eenmaal, the world's first restaurant for parties of one. The small pop-up venue with 10 tables — each for a single diner — is the brainchild of Marina van Goor, a designer focused on projects with social impact, who wants to make solo dining culturally acceptable and cool. "We wanted to break the very recognizable taboo of eating out alone. I noticed that in our society, there is actually no room for being alone in public spaces," she explains. "Being a pop-up allows us to give a wider audience the chance to try it." More from OZY.com: The joy of cooking with Samin Spice it up! Urban gardening goes through the roof Eenmaal — a Dutch word meaning both "one time" and "one meal" — moves locations but always sets up in unused shop spaces with large front windows and little decoration, to avoid distractions. The walls are bare, the music plays softly and, before you ask, no, there is no Wi-Fi. Customers are asked to refrain from using their smartphones and encouraged to read a book or magazine instead. Eenmaal's clientele ranges from millennial hipsters in search of a trendy venue to misanthropic foodies looking to enjoy a four-course meal without having to engage in idle chitchat. The menu costs $50, including drinks, and is crafted by chef Leslie Dronker, who favors fresh tastes and organic, locally sourced ingredients. This place transforms an awkward situation into something comfortable. Judging by the serene atmosphere in which diners dig into their parsley rye bread, pork belly with pickle, and Lapsang ice cream, eating alone can be a truly pleasurable experience. "This place transforms an awkward situation into something comfortable,"! says Peik Suyling, a client and fan. "It's relaxed and exciting at the same time." Since it debuted last summer, Eenmaal's success has surpassed its founders' expectations. The temporary eatery is already in its sixth location, changing venue every month or so — info is provided on its website — and later this year it's going to start popping up internationally, in London, Berlin and New York. Van Goor is even flirting with the idea of opening permanent locations. "We could create a franchise, because I am convinced it will work anywhere, and there is a need for it," she says. For now, Eenmaal is expanding its brand by creating products for the "one-person market." Their first item, a 375-ml bottle of "not for sharing" champagne, named Eenmaal Bauchet, is already available to enjoy with the meals, and chocolate and tea products will soon follow. Eating with friends and relatives will always be a popular pastime. But in today's hyper-connected world, Eenaal gives its clients the rare opportunity to turn down the volume and focus on themselves before modern life takes over again. So if you fancy a party for one, check out Eenmaal. But keep in mind that when the bill comes, you'll have no choice but to go Dutch. Ozy.com is a USA TODAY content partner providing general news, commentary and coverage from around the Web. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The Walt Disney Company (DIS) announced a price increase for theme park admission to its parks in California. The cost of admission to Disneyland is now $96, up from $92.
Admission to Disney's California Adventure also increased by $13 to $150.
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STOCKS TO BUY: TheStreet Quant Ratings has identified a handful of stocks that can potentially TRIPLE in the next 12 months. Learn more
Shares of Disney are down -0.16% to $80.92 in after-hours trading on Monday. TheStreet Ratings team rates DISNEY (WALT) CO as a Buy with a ratings score of A+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate DISNEY (WALT) CO (DIS) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, revenue growth and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: Looking at where the stock is today compared to one year ago, we find that it is not only higher, but it has also clearly outperformed the rise in the S&P 500 over the same period. Although other factors naturally played a role, the company's strong earnings growth was key. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year. DISNEY (WALT) CO has improved earnings per share by 30.1% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, DISNEY (WALT) CO increased its bottom line by earning $3.38 versus $3.12 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.18 versus $3.38). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the Media industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income increased by 26.7% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $1,513.00 million to $1,917.00 million. Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 14.9%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 10.4%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Media industry and the overall market, DISNEY (WALT) CO's return on equity exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. You can view the full analysis from the report here: DIS Ratings Report STOCKS TO BUY: TheStreet Quant Ratings has identified a handful of stocks that can potentially TRIPLE in the next 12 months. Learn more Stock quotes in this article: DIS
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The Kentucky Derby is history. Now the focus shifts to Maryland and Saturday's Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.
For the first time since Affirmed in 1978, there's a real possibility of a Triple Crown winner. Still, according to TiqIQ, when it comes to the secondary market Preakness Stakes tickets are well below the demand of the Derby and the final race, New York's Belmont Stakes. 
Right now, the average price for Preakness Stakes tickets on the secondary market are $135.88, a three-year low. Last year's race had a $199.18 average price, while this year is closer to the average price of 2012, which was $139.92. From year to year the price of Preakness tickets will not shift as much as the other races. Pimlico Race Course usually has a steady stream of demand at the track, regardless of the results of the Kentucky Derby. This year's Derby winner, California Chrome, enters the weekend as the favorite to win the second leg of the Triple Crown. Should that happen, the price for Belmont Stakes tickets will start to skyrocket once the race is finished. This year's Belmont Stakes is set to be run on Saturday, June 7 at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. Belmont Stakes tickets currently have an average price on the secondary market of $283.09, 108.3% above this year's price for the Preakness.
The future price of the Belmont, however, is greatly influenced by the result of the Preakness. Should California Chrome come out victorious, Belmont Stakes tickets on the secondary market could rise to rival those of the Kentucky Derby. If any other horse wins, the Belmont Stakes will likely be the cheapest of the three races this year by a fair margin. Last year, after Derby-winner Orb failed to win the Preakness, Belmont Stakes tickets dropped to an $87.81 average price. In 2012, both a rise and fall occurred as I'll Have Another entered the weekend with a chance to win the Triple Crown. However, the horse was scratched due to injury a day before the race, causing a sudden last-minute drop in price on the secondary market. Still, Belmont tickets had an average price of $320.40, 264.8% above the average price in 2013. As California Chrome was the favorite going into the Kentucky Derby and remains the favorite heading into the Preakness, there is a high possibility the Belmont will be hosting a chance at history. The current 36-year drought without a Triple Crown winner is the second longest in history, behind the 44-year drought from 1875 to 1919.
If the Preakness finishes with a chance for history to be made at the Belmont Stakes, expect both price and demand for tickets on the secondary market to increase almost immediately. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. This article represents the opinion of a contributor and not necessarily that of TheStreet or its editorial staff.
 Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesResidential housing under construction in Louisville, Ky. WASHINGTON -- U.S. housing starts jumped in April and building permits hit their highest level in nearly six years, offering hope that the troubled housing market could be stabilizing. The Commerce Department said Friday groundbreaking increased 13.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 1.07 million units, the highest level since November 2013. All four regions of the country reported increases. Starts rose by a revised 2 percent in March, compared to a previously reported 2.8 percent gain for that month. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast starts rising to a 980,000-unit rate last month. Compared to April last year, groundbreaking was up 26.4 percent. The dollar pared losses against the yen, while U.S. Treasury debt yields rose after the data. The housing market recovery stalled as a combination of higher mortgage rates and rising property prices, against the backdrop of stagnant wage growth, made housing less affordable for many Americans. A cold winter also weighed on activity. The residential sector contracted in the first three months of 2014, declining for a second consecutive quarter. With the multifamily sector segment continuing to drive residential construction, housing is unlikely to contribute to economic growth this year for the first time since 2010. The weak housing market recently has caught the attention of U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, who early this month told lawmakers that it could undermine the economy. Last month, groundbreaking for single-family homes, the largest segment of the market, rose 0.8 percent to a 649,000-unit pace. Starts for the volatile multifamily homes segment surged 39.6 percent to a 423,000-unit rate. Groundbreaking for buildings with five or more units hit the highest level since January 2006. Permits to build homes jumped 8 percent to a 1.08-million unit pace in April, the highest since June 2008. Economists had expected permits to rise to a 1.01-million unit pace. Compared to April last year, permits were up 3.8 percent. Permits for single-family homes rose 0.3 percent to a 602,000-unit pace. Single-family homes permits continue to lag groundbreaking, suggesting that single-family starts could decline in the months ahead to bring them in line with permits. A survey released Thursday showed confidence among single-family homebuilders slipped to a one-year low in May. Permits for multifamily homes soared 19.5 percent to a 478,000-unit rate in April. Multifamily permits are running well ahead of starts, which could indicate delays in getting projects started. Permits for buildings with five or more units jumped 21.8 percent to their highest level since June 2008. The multifamily segment is being driven by demand for rental units. Builders, however, have complained about rising material costs as well as shortages of lots and skilled labor.
 Brennan Linsley/AP NEW YORK -- More travelers will take to the skies this summer, the U.S. airlines' trade and lobby group predicted Thursday. About 210 million passengers -- or 2.28 million a day -- are expected to fly on U.S. carriers between June 1 and Aug. 31. That's up 1.5 percent from last summer and the highest level in six years, according to the trade and lobbying group, Airlines for America. The forecast includes 29.9 million travelers -- or 325,000 a day -- flying U.S. airlines to international destinations, an all-time high. Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan are the top five nonstop international destinations, based on published schedules. Airlines for America doesn't forecast summer airfares. The average cost of a ticket last year was $381, up 0.1 percent from 2012. Airlines typically charge more for tickets around holidays and other peak travel times and industry watchers expect a slight increase this summer. Those fares don't include the price of checking luggage -- typically $50 roundtrip -- or any associated change fees. Airlines collected $3.35 billion in baggage fees last year and an additional $2.81 billion in reservation change fees. Those fees, along with a 5 percent drop in fuel prices, helped the nine publicly traded U.S. airlines post a $401 million net profit in the first three months of this year, traditionally the hardest quarter for airlines.
Stocks ended mixed yesterday. Today, the major indexes all look to be heading lower.  AP S&P 500 futures have dropped 0.2%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures have dipped 0.1%. Nasdaq Composite futures are off 0.2%. Macy’s (M) blamed the cold weather for a slide in sales but has risen 1.2% to $58.55 thanks to a better-than-forecast profit of 60 cents a share. URS Corp. (URS) has plunged 7.1% to $43.85 after its profit of 37 cents a share missed the Street consensus by 30 cents. Plug Power (PLUG) has dropped 3.7% to $3.94 after it reported a loss of 6 cents a share, missing analyst estimates for a loss of 5 cents. Sears Holdings (SHLD) has gained 1.6% to $44.15 after it said it could sell its 51% stake in Sears Canada. Deere (DE) has fallen 1.5% to $92.25 after beating earnings forecasts but lowering its full-year sales guidance. SodaStream (SODA) has declined 3.6% to $39.65 after it reported a profit of 8 cents a share, ahead of forecasts for 1 cent. It said earnings would grow 3% in 2014.
 Popular Posts: Hottest Energy Stocks Now – HK QEP CLMT SDRL13 “Triple A” Stocks to Buy7 Biotechnology Stocks to Buy Now Recent Posts: Hottest Financial Stocks Now – ASPS MBI SF LPLA Biggest Movers in Healthcare Stocks Now – ALXN PODD ISIS REGN Hottest Technology Stocks Now – SATS WDAY P CGNX View All Posts This week, these five stocks have the worst ratings in Sales Growth, one of the eight Fundamental Categories on Portfolio Grader. Hatteras Financial () is a mortgage real estate investment trust. HTS gets F’s in Earnings Growth, Earnings Momentum, Equity, Cash Flow and Operating Margin Growth as well. . AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. () focuses on investing, acquiring and managing a portfolio of residential mortgage assets, and other real estate-related securities and financial assets. MITT gets F’s in Earnings Growth, Earnings Momentum, Earnings Surprises, Equity, Cash Flow and Operating Margin Growth as well. . Lipocine, Inc. () is engaged in the development of pharmaceutical products in the areas of men'’s and women’'s health. . MannKind Corporation () is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutic products for diseases such as diabetes, cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. MNKD gets F’s in Analyst Earnings Revisions and Cash Flow as well. . Uranium Energy () is an exploration-stage company that explores and develops mineral properties in the United States and Paraguay. UEC gets F’s in Analyst Earnings Revisions, Equity and Cash Flow as well. . Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being “strong buy,” and F being “strong sell.” Explore the tool here.
Q: My target-date fund gained about 1% last year, even though the Standard and Poor's 500-stock index rose nearly 30%. What happened? A: You now understand the difference between "to" and "through." Target-date funds gear their investments toward your retirement date. As you get closer to retirement, the fund becomes more conservative, decreasing its investments in stocks and increasing its holdings in bonds and money market securities, or cash. After all, when you don't have employment income, you can't make up your losses by adding more money from your income. The average target-date fund geared toward 2015 gained 9.3% in 2013, according to Lipper, which tracks the funds. The top-performing fund, the American Funds 2015 Target Date Retirement fund, gained 15.3% last year. The worst fund, Pimco RealRetirement 2015, eked out a 0.09% gain. Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: BJ's Restaurants Inc.(BJRI) BJ?s Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates casual dining restaurants in the Unites States. The company operates restaurants under the BJ?s Restaurant & Brewery, BJ?s Restaurant & Brewhouse, BJ?s Pizza & Grill, or BJ?s Grill names, which offer deep-dish pizzas, handcrafted beers, appetizers, entrees, pastas, sandwiches, specialty salads, desserts, non-alcoholic beverages, wine, other craft beers, and spirits. As of February 27, 2012, it owned and operated 116 restaurants comprising 10 BJ?s Restaurant & Brewery restaurants, 98 BJ?s Restaurant & Brewhouse restaurants, 7 BJ?s Pizza & Grill restaurants, and 1 BJ?s Grill. The company operates restaurants in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Nevada, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, and Washington. BJ?s Restaurants, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Huntington Beach, California. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Meetu Anand]
Brinker International (NYSE: EAT ) has been no exception to the trend of falling comps, while BJ's Restaurants (NASDAQ: BJRI ) and Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI ) have also followed along�. - [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
Equities Trading UP
Sangamo Biosciences (NASDAQ: SGMO) shot up 16.32 percent to $22.81 announced the publication in the NEJM of the first-in-man study of genome editing using its ZFN technology. Shares of Agios Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AGIO) got a boost, shooting up 27.72 percent to $40.41 after the company reported quarterly results. BJ's (NASDAQ: BJRI) was also up, gaining 21.04 percent to $33.48 after the company was upgraded toa Buy rating at Buckingham research. - [By Steve Symington]
More closely aligned with B-Wild's new efforts, however, are the folks at BJ's Restaurants (NASDAQ: BJRI ) , who just so happen to integrate their very own enviable list of more than a dozen of BJ's award-winning, handcrafted brews on tap at each of their restaurants. All told, craft brews have served as a centerpiece of BJ's business so far, helping the up-and-coming company to grow to 132 locations in 15 states as of the end of last quarter. - [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
BJ's Restaurants (NASDAQ: BJRI) was down, falling 8.21 percent to $26.61 on Q4 results. Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded down 0.15 percent to $103.15, while gold traded down 0.36 percent to $1,315.60.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: Cloud Security Corp (CLDS) Cloud Security Corporation, formerly Cloud Star Corporation , incorporated on December 20, 2010, is an information technology services and software company that delivers access to computer desktops and other consumer electron devices from remote locations. Its flagship product, MyComputerKey is a patent-pending technology that provides a secure multi-factor validation system for cloud-based infrastructures and protects data accessed from remote locations worldwide. As of February 29, 2012, it had no revenues. On May 22, 2012, the Company acquired Accend, which is a Nevada corporation. The product is a custom-designed universal serial bus (USB) keycard programmed to connect via the Internet to users' desktop or server, which provides the user access to files, personalized environments, data, programs and applications. MyComputerKey allows a user to access his or her base computer from different locations utilizing the Internet cloud through a separate computer (the remote computer). MyComputerKey also includes the Company�� own connection software that provides the actual connection between the user�� desktop and the host computer the user is using to connect. This software is supports in all Microsoft-based computers. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Eyes on The Go Inc (OTCMKTS: AXCG), Quadrant 4 Systems Corp (OTCMKTS: QFOR) and Cloud Security Corp (OTCMKTS: CLDS) were getting attention last week, but all three stocks trended downward on Monday. It should be mentioned that none of these stocks have been overly or heavily paid promotions. So what will these three small cap stocks do on the last trading day of the year and for the rest of this week? Here is a closer look:
Hot Valued Stocks To Invest In Right Now: China Auto Logistics Inc.(CALI) China Auto Logistics Inc. primarily engages in the sale and trading of imported automobiles in the People?s Republic of China. It also offers financing services, including letter of credit issuance, purchase deposit financing, and import duty advances, as well as automobile value-added services, including customs clearance, storage, and nationwide delivery services to automobile dealers and agents. In addition, the company operates Websites that provide subscribers with sales and trading information for imported and domestically manufactured automobiles. Its Websites include cali.com.cn, which provides auto living public with information about auto and auto-related products and services; at188.com that provides sales and trading information about imported automobiles, as well as parts and components information; at160.com, which provides sales and trading information about domestically manufactured automobiles; and goodcar.cn that provides information relating to automoti ve products and services, including discounted gas, car washes, emergency roadside assistance, body-shop repairs, and car maintenance. The company sells automobiles to authorized dealers, free traders or wholesalers, government agencies, and individual customers. China Auto Logistics Inc. is based in Tianjin, the People?s Republic of China. Advisors' Opinion: Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: Bayer AG (BAYRY) Bayer AG is a management holding company. The Company�� business operations are organized into three subgroups: HealthCare, CropScience and MaterialScience, supported by the service companies Bayer Business Services, Bayer Technology Services and Currenta. Bayer HealthCare is involved in the research, development and manufacture of health products for people and animals. Bayer CropScience is engaged in the crop protection and non-agricultural pest control. Bayer MaterialScience supplies polymers, and develops solution for a range of applications. In November 2009, Bayer MaterialScience acquired the polymer coatings business from Lombard Medical Technologies PLC. On November 2, 2009, it acquired Athenix Corporation. On October 1, 2009, it acquired two dermatology product lines from SkinMedica, Inc., Carlsbad, California, United States. On June 25, 2009, it acquired the remaining 10% interest in Bayer Polymers (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., China. In May 2009, it acquired the remaining 49% interest in Berlimed, s.a., Spain, from Juste s.a. Quimica Farmac茅utica (Juste), and in return sold its 51% interest of Justesa Imagen, s.a., Spain, to Juste. In May 2009, it also sold the Thermoplastics Testing Center, Krefeld, Germany, to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. In March 2010, the Company announced that its Bayer MaterialScience LLC has acquired Artificial Muscle, Inc, a company active in electroactive polymers for the consumer electronics industry. Bayer HealthCare The Company researches, develops, manufactures pharmaceutical and medical products. Bayer HealthCare operates in four operating divisions: Animal Health, which is engaged in manufacture of veterinary medicines and grooming products; Bayer Schering Pharma, which is engaged in manufacture of prescription medicines; Consumer Care, which is engaged in the manufacture of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, and Medical Care, which is engaged in manufacture of blood glucose monitoring devices and contrast agent injecti! on systems. Its products for farm animals include Baytril. Its products for companion animals include Advantage/Advantix and Baytril. Its drug discovery in the pharmaceuticals segment focuses on the areas of cardiology, oncology, women�� healthcare and diagnostic imaging. Bayer CropScience CropScience maintains a global network of research and development facilities. In the Crop Protection segment it identifies and develops safe and economically sustainable insecticides, fungicides and herbicides and carries its research projects in areas, such as plant health or stress tolerance. As of December 31, 2009, its active ingredient pipeline of Crop Protection contained 20 development projects, of which 10 was at an advanced stage and 10 at an early stage of development, and an additional 45 projects was undergoing early-stage research. Its operations are structured into six business operations units: four regional Crop Protection units plus the Environmental Science and BioScience units. Its insecticides include Confidor/ Admire, Calypso, Decis, Temik and Oberon. Its fungicides include Antracol, Fandango, Flint/Stratego/Sphere/Twist, Folicur and Previcur Energy. Its herbicides include Atlantis, Basta, Betanal, Fenikan, Hoestar, Husar, MaisTer, Puma. Its seed treatment products include Bariton, Gaucho, Lamarador, Poncho and Raxil. Bayer MaterialScience The Company supplies materials, such as polycarbonates and polyurethanes and system solutions for a range of everyday uses. It operates in three business units: Polyurethanes, Polycarbonates, and Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties. Its Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties producst include Desmodur, Bayhydur, Dispercoll and Artwalk. Its Polycarbonates include Makrolon, Makrofol / Bayfol, Fantasia and Bayblend. Its Polyurethanes include Multitec, Baydur, Bayflex, Baypreg and Vulkollan. Its Thermoplastic Polyurethanes include Desmopan / Texin. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Sean Williams]
So what: In midday trading, AVEO and development partner Astellas Pharma reported that the FDA panel had voted 13-1 that Tivozanib had not demonstrated a favorable benefit-to-risk evaluation in treating advanced kidney cancer. AVEO's CEO, Tuan Ha-Ngoc, noted his discouragement with the FDA panels' findings, but plans to work closely with the FDA to improve upon what it felt Tivozanib lacked. If you recall, Tivozanib demonstrated a statistically significant progression-free survival benefit over Onyx Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ONXX ) and Bayer's (NASDAQOTH: BAYRY ) Nexavar in trials, but fell short of Nexavar in terms of median overall survival, which perplexed many. - [By Dan Carroll]
It was a better week for German stocks outside the financial sphere.�German chemical and pharmaceutical maker Bayer (NASDAQOTH: BAYRY ) rose 0.8% after it received good news from a late-stage trial of its riociguat therapy for treating high blood pressure. Bayer predicts the drug could hit peak sales of nearly $650 million, and the firm has already submitted it to European and American regulators for approval. - [By Dan Carroll]
If investors want to find the best German stocks, they should look for the most global firms. Take Bayer (NASDAQOTH: BAYRY ) , for example. The German chemical and pharmaceutical maker has pivoted toward globalization in order to counteract Europe's crunch, which has slammed hospital budgets and health care spending. Bayer recently picked up a majority stake in California-based birth-control maker Conceptus -- a buy that capitalizes on Bayer's own birth control business -- and the firm's North American business has surged recently, posting a 17% revenue gain in 2012. Meanwhile, Bayer's European sales flattened last year. Geographic diversity will win the day for Germany's top stocks, and Bayer's shares have pulled in double-digit gains year-to-date. - [By Jeff Reeves]
The Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund (DODFX), one of the top 25 mutual funds by total assets, also has a 30% allocation in Europe. It owns stakes in German conglomerate Bayer (BAYRY) and the U.K. bank HSBC (HBC).
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: BofI Holding Inc.(BOFI) BofI Holding, Inc. operates as the holding company for BofI Federal Bank that provides various consumer and wholesale banking services primarily through the Internet in the United States. It accepts various deposit products, including demand deposit, savings, and certificates of deposit accounts. It also provides loan products, which consist of single family loans, home equity loans, multifamily loans, commercial real estate loans, recreational vehicle and automobile loans, and overdraft lines of credit In addition, the company offers online bill payment, interbank transfer, mobile banking, text message banking, ATM cards or VISA debit cards, and overdraft protection services. It serves approximately 36,000 retail deposit and loan customers across 50 states. BofI Holding, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is based in San Diego, California. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Jay Jenkins]
BofI Holding's� (NASDAQ: BOFI ) �subsidiary, Bank of the Internet, is a $2.8 billion online-only bank and an excellent case study in the benefits of engaging customers primarily online. Without a large branch network, the bank is able to produce a stellar efficiency ratio -- a measure of non-interest expenses to revenue -- of just 36.3% as of March 31, 2013. And, most importantly, the bank is viable as a business; it has been in operation for 12 years, has 40,000 customers with either a loan or deposit account, is profitable, and grew its loan portfolio by 37% year over year as of March 31, 2013. For larger national banks, Bank of the Internet is a proof of concept: Financial services can profitably exist online. - [By Charly Travers]
2013 was an incredible year for investors, but has this amazing run-up left any climbing room for stocks in 2014? In this video, five of our analysts around Fool HQ answer the question, "What is one stock to watch in 2014?" They discuss�Twitter (NYSE: TWTR ) ,�Bank of Internet (NASDAQ: BOFI ) ,�Extendicare (NASDAQOTH: EXETF ) ,�Potash Corporation (NYSE: POT ) , and�Intel (NASDAQ: INTC ) , and why these five stocks could be poised to outperform in 2014, even as the market continues to reach all-time highs.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: Motorcar Parts of America Inc. (MPAA) Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., together wit its subsidiaries, remanufactures and distributes alternators and starters for import and domestic cars, light trucks, heavy duty, agricultural, and industrial applications in the United States and Canada. It replacement parts are used on vehicles after initial vehicle purchase. The company sells its products to approximately 12,000 retail outlets; automotive warehouse distributors; and OES customers under customer private labels and under the Quality-Built, Talon, Xtreme, and Reliance brand names. Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. was founded in 1968 and is based in Torrance, California. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Lawrence Meyers]
Motorcar Parts of America (MPAA) is the tiniest entry at only a $208 million market cap. It�� a bit more specialized, focusing more on alternators, starters and wheel hub assemblies. It also distributes only through the DIY stores. MPAA sits on $100 million in debt and $16 million in cash. It’s cash flow negative and trades at a P/E of 14 on long term growth of 15%. I�� stay away from this one, given the cash flow situation. - [By CRWE]
Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. (Nasdaq:MPAA) is scheduled to make a presentation on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. Pacific time at B. Riley & Company’s 13th Annual Investor Conference at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Southern California.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: Gulf Resources Inc (GURE) Gulf Resources, Inc. (Gulf Resources), incorporated on February 28, 1989, is engaged in manufacturing and trading of bromine and crude salt, and manufacturing and selling of chemical products used in oil and gas field exploration, oil and gas distribution, oil field drilling, wastewater processing, papermaking chemical agents and inorganic chemicals. As of December 31, 2011, its products have been sold only within the People�� Republic of China. The Company operates in three segments: bromine, crude salt and chemical products. It manufactures and trades bromine and crude salt through Shouguang City Haoyuan Chemical Company Limited (SCHC), and manufactures chemical products for use in the oil industry and paper manufacturing industry through Shouguang Yuxin Chemical Industry Co., Limited (SYCI). On December 22, 2011, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets owned by Liangcai Zhang in the Shouguang City Yangkou Township Area. Bromine and Crude Salt The Company manufactures and distributes bromine through its wholly owned subsidiary, SCHC. Bromine (Br2) is a halogen element and it is a red volatile liquid at standard room temperature, which has reactivity between chlorine and iodine. Elemental bromine is used to manufacture a variety of bromine compounds used in industry and agriculture. Bromine is also used to form intermediates in organic synthesis. Its bromine is used in brominated flame retardants, fumigants, water purification compounds, dyes, medicines and disinfectants. Its production sites are located in the Shandong Province in northeastern China. Its production feeds include natural brine, vitriol, chlorine, sulfur and coal. Crude Salt The Company also produces crude salt, which is produced from the evaporation of the wastewater after its bromine production process. Once the brine is returned to the surface and the bromine is removed, the remaining brine is pumped to onsite containing pools and then exposed to natural sunshine. T! his causes the water to evaporate from the brine, resulting in salt being left over afterwards. Crude salt is the principal material in alkali production, as well as chlorine alkali production and is used in the chemical, food and beverage, and other industries. Chemical Products The Company produces chemical products through its wholly owned subsidiary, SYCI. The products it produces include hydroxyl guar gum, demulsified agent, corrosion inhibitor for acidizing, bactericide, chelant, iron ion stabilizer, clay stabilizing agent, flocculants agent, remaining agent, expanding agent, bromopropane, environmental friendly additive products, solid lubricant and polyether lubricant. Gulf Resources competes with Shandong Yuyuan Group Company Limited, Shandong Haihua Group Company Limited, Shandong Dadi Salt Chemical Group Company Limited, Shandong Haiwang Chemical Company Limited, Shandong Weifang Longwei Industrial Company Limited, Shandong Caiyangzi Saltworks, Beijing Tianqing Chemical Company Limited, Shandong Weifang Shuangxing Pesticides Company Limited, Zibo Dacheng Pesticides Company Limited, Befar Group Company Limited, China Eastar (Group) Chemical Industry Company Limited and Pecome Technologies Limited. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Paul Ausick]
Big Earnings Movers: Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO) is up 28.3% at $24.05. Gulf Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: GURE) is up 15.8% at $2.46. Stocks on the Move: ViroPharma Inc. (NASDAQ: VPHM) is up 25.4% at $49.38 on a $4.2 billion buyout offer from London-listed Shire. Zalicus Inc. (NASDAQ: ZLCS) is down 72.3% at $1.30 on a failed drug trial. - [By Roberto Pedone]
Another under-$10 basic materials player that's starting to move within range of triggering a major breakout trade is Gulf Resources (GURE), which manufactures and trades bromine and crude salt, and manufactures and sells chemical products used in oil and gas field exploration. This stock has been a favorite target of the bulls so far in 2013, with shares up sharply by 140%. If you take a look at the chart for Gulf Resources, you'll notice that this stock has been uptrending strong for the last six months, with shares soaring higher from its low of $1.10 to its recent high of $3.10 a share. During that uptrend, shares of GURE have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of GURE within range of triggering a major breakout trade. Market players should now look for long-biased trades in GURE if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.87 to its 52-week high at $3.10 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 467,986 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then GURE will set up to enter new 52-week high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $4 to $4.50 a share. Traders can look to buy GURE off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some near-term support levels at $2.38 a share, or near its 50-day moving average of $2.23 a share. One can also buy GURE 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.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc.(JOSB) Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. engages in designing, manufacturing, retailing, and direct marketing men?s tailored and casual clothing and accessories in the United States. The company?s product offerings include tuxedos, suits, shirts, vests, ties, sport coats, pants, sportswear, overcoats, sweaters, belts and braces, socks, and underwear. It sells its products primarily under the Jos. A. Bank label through its own and franchised stores, and catalogs, as well as the Internet at josbank.com. The company also sells branded shoes from various vendors. As of April 30, 2011, it operated 515 retail stores, which consists of 489 company-owned full-line stores, 12 company-owned outlet and factory stores, and 14 stores owned and operated by franchisees in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The company was founded in 1905 and is based in Hampstead, Maryland. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
Equities Trading UP
Jos. A Bank Clothiers (NASDAQ: JOSB) shot up 11.19 percent to $56.26 after Men's Wearhouse (NYSE: MW) proposed to acquire Jos. A. Bank for $55 per share in cash. - [By Rick Aristotle Munarriz]
Craig Warga/Bloomberg via Getty Images You can never know in advance all the news that will move the market in a given week, but some things you can see coming. From earnings reports to a new "Hobbit" film, let's take a look at the business news that will break in the week ahead. Monday -- Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: Ski resorts are open for the season, and we'll get a great early read on how the business is holding up when Vail Resorts (MTN) reports fresh financials after Monday's market close. True to its name, Vail Resorts operates a ski property in Vail as well as nearby slopes in Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado. It also owns resorts in six different snowy states. Don't expect a quarterly profit out of Vail Resorts. The months of August, September, and October are naturally forgettable for ski resorts. Vail expects to generate four times as much revenue during the next three months as it did during the period that ended in October. However, Vail Resorts should be able to offer a glimpse about how the new ski season is starting to shape up. It has enough advance booking information to know what folks are willing to pay this year for a trek out to the slopes. Tuesday -- For Whom the Bell Tolls: It's once again great time to be a real estate developer. Home prices are moving higher, and those increases are moving at a headier clip than the costs to build new digs. We'll get a good snapshot of the housing industry when Toll Brothers (TOL) reports on Tuesday. The builder of upscale properties is typically blunt about its assessment, and naturally the news has been good in recent quarters as home buyers aren't walking away from their contracts, and asking prices keep inching up. Hovnanian (HOV) -- another developer that offers more accessibly priced properties -- reports two days later. Analysts see revenue surging 56 percent at Toll and 19 percent at Hovnanian. It's good to be a builder right now, but that won't remain that way i - [By Anora Mahmudova]
Shares of Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. (JOSB) � fell 3.7% after The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the company is in talks to buy fellow apparel retailer Eddie Bauer, citing sources. Jos. A. Bank and Men�� Wearhouse Inc. (MW) �have been locked in a monthslong battle to buy each other out. Shares in Men�� Wearhouse slid 6.2%. - [By Kate Gibson]
Shares of Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. (JOSB) � and Men�� Wearhouse Inc. (MW) � both rallied after Men�� Wearhouse spurned the former�� buyout offer.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: Exelis Inc (XLS) Exelis Inc. (Exelis), incorporated on May 4, 2011, is engaged in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) related products and systems and information and technical services, which the Company supplies to military, government and commercial customers in the United States and globally. The Company's customers include the United States Department of Defense (DoD), including the United States Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force, and its prime contractors, the United States Government intelligence agencies, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allied foreign governments and domestic and foreign commercial customers. As a prime contractor, subcontractor, or preferred supplier, the Company participates in many high priority defense and non-defense programs in the United States. In January 2013, it acquired C4i Pty. Ltd. In February 2014, Exelis, Inc purchased FareSight, ARC's Web-based tool for corporate air travel optimization. The Company operates in two segments: C4ISR Electronics and Systems, and Information and Technical Services. The Company's C4ISR Electronics and Systems segment provides communications, electronic warfare, imaging and image-processing, radar and sonar systems, space systems, and aerostructures for government and commercial customers globally. The Company's Information and Technical Services segment provides a range of systems integration, network design and development, cyber, intelligence, operations, sustainment, advanced engineering, logistics, space launch and range-support solutions for a range of the United States military and government agency customers. The Company has successfully completed and integrated several acquisitions over the last five years, which has broadened its product and technology portfolio and expanded its customer base. C4ISR Electronics and Systems Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems (IEWS) is a Electro! nic Warfare Countermeasures (ECM) and engaged in space microelectronics, mine-defense solutions and antennas. IEWS develops, produces and sells electronic warfare solutions to DoD services, classified customers and to allied nations. IEWS is a key player on platforms, such as the strike fighter, the F-18, and Special Operations Forces (SOF) MH-60s and MH-47, and also holds electronic warfare positions on the B-1B, B-52, CV-22, C-130 and F-16 (International) platforms. The Company is a provider of mechanical and combined influences mine sweeping devices to the United States Navy. IEWS is engaged in Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA), fielding systems on the B-1, B-52, F-16, F-18, SOF C-130s and the EA-6B. Communication Systems and Force Protection Systems (CFPS) is a engaged in the design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF)-based systems. The business has fielded more than 25,000 CREW Vehicle Receiver/Jammer (CVRJ) systems, in use by the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The Company also specializes in tactical, satellite, wireless and special mission communications systems; information assurance and cryptographic systems; Global Positioning Systems (GPS); mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) solutions, and integrated C3 solutions for the United States and allied forces, as well as many government agencies. Products include SINCGARS, deployed military tactical radio program globally with more than 650,000 units in use in more than 35 countries. CFPS is also the developer of the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW). The Company's Night Vision and Imaging business is a engaged in image intensification, sensor fusion and digital night vision technology, integrated power and sensing devices, and decision support software and services solutions, which manage, exploit, analyze, visualize, interpret, and disseminate image related data. The Company is a developer, producer, and supplier of Generation 3 images intensification technology for the United States and allied military forces, as ! well as t! he federal homeland security market, and the Company is a producer of night vision products globally. The Company provides AN /PVS-14 and AN /PVS-7 ground night visions goggles and spare image intensifier tubes to the the United States military and allies, through foreign military sales, and the Company is a supplier to the United States military for the AN/AVS-6 and AN/AVS-9 aviation night visions goggle, which provides rotary- and fixed-wing pilots the ability to operate in extreme low-light situations. The Company is a supplier of the 2nd generation ENVG(O) system, the Spiral Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (SENVG), to the United States military. In addition the Company offers integrated software solutions, which scientists, defense and intelligence professionals, Geographic Information System users, researchers, and medical researches professionals use to turn complex data into useful information. The Company delivers streaming imagery and video data in an environment challenged by information overloads. The Company's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems business serves a range of government, civil and commercial customers with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, provide actionable data, and protect property and human life. The Company's capabilities include remote sensing payloads for ground, air and space, offering active and motion imaging, which provide data processing, exploitation, and dissemination and system performance modeling and simulation. The Company also provides solutions, which map and monitors the earth for a range of commercial and governmental users. The Company's sensors provide the commercial resolution space-based imagery in the United States. Radar, Reconnaissance and Acoustic Systems (R2A) provides radio frequency (RF) and acoustic surveillance sensors for both domestic and international defense customers, with a portfolio of related technology-based products in the commercial area. R2A's capabilities include d! efense su! rveillance radars, air traffic control radars, command and control, towed and hull mount sonars, tactical data links and airborne multifunction radars. The R2A business also provides electronic warfare and signal intelligence systems for reconnaissance and surveillance, with monitoring and signal processing systems and equipment for Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) applications. Integrated Structures (IS) is a designer and producer of aircraft-armament suspension and release equipment, weapons interface systems, and advanced composite structures and subsystems for military and commercial customers. IS is an advanced designers and manufacturers of lightweight advanced fiber-reinforced composite structures. The Company has supplied composites to aerospace prime contractors, including Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and BAE Systems. The Company's Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) business is a total GPS navigation systems supplier providing GPS payload, receiver and control solutions. The next generation Global Positioning System Operational Control System (GPS OCX) provide command, control and mission support for current and future GPS satellites based on a modern, service-oriented architecture, which will integrate a government and industry open system standard. The Company is providing the key navigation processing elements and precision monitors station receivers during the current phase of the GPS OCX program, which includes advanced anti-jam capabilities, and system security, accuracy and reliability. Information and Technical Services The Company's Communication, Command and Control Systems (C3S) business provides systems engineering, lifecycle sustainment, logistic support, modernization, and operations and maintenance for the United States military launch, test and training ranges, NASA's Ground Communications Networks and ot! her the U! nited States Government assets globally. C3S supports complex mission requirements, which covers a spectrum of support, from facilities maintenance to reverse engineering of legacy systems. Key areas of support include system engineering, sustainment, logistics, depot maintenance, software engineering and configuration management for range instrumentation, such as tracking, telemetry, optical, weather, communications, and command & control networks and systems. The Company is a contractor on NASA's Space Communications Network Services (SCNS) contract for the Goddard Space Flight Center, which provides communications and tracking services for a range of Earth-orbiting spacecraft, such as the International Space Station. The Company operates, maintain, and sustain the communications networks and infrastructure, which supports deep space exploration missions, such as the Cassini mission to Saturn and the Mars Rovers. The Company is also the contractor for the Joint Spectrum Center's (JSC) Electromagnetic Spectrum Engineering Services contracts, where the Company provides engineering systems support, technical analysis, test support, and long-term strategic planning. C3S also provides payload processing and launch services for numerous government agencies. These systems and assets are critical to the launch range and space communications network infrastructures, including air, land and sea training range for the United States Navy, the United States Air Force space launch ranges on the United States East and West Coasts and NASA's space ground communications networks. The Company's Advanced Information Systems business serves a range of federal customers in defense, intelligence and homeland security. The Company serves missions in military and national intelligence, deterrence and defenses against chemical, biological, radiological nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats, strategic programs and other core defense programs. The Company develops information-enabled solutions for the United States! Governme! nt customers. Afghanistan Programs (AP) consists of two contracts with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide facilities operations, maintenance and training services for the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the Combined Security Transition Command in both Northern and Southern Afghanistan (ANSF Facilities Support programs). Under these two contracts, AP provides operations and maintenance support for more than 300 ANSF locations in Afghanistan, while simultaneously training Afghans to assume responsibility for the facilities at the completion of the contract. AP also supports the warfighter under the Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program (LOGCAP), which provides logistics and supply operations, airfield operations and transportation support to the United States warfighter and to the Afghanistan National Security Forces. The Company provides the FAA with engineering expertise and full system solutions in the development and implementation of a modernized air traffics system. The Company's core program is the ADS-B system: the cornerstone program of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) initiative to modernize from a ground-based system of air traffic control to a satellite-based system of air traffic management. As a contractor on ADS-B, the Company is designing, building and operating a nationwide system of radio communications, telecommunications networks, information technology and software to deliver accurate, networked, real-time surveillance data to the automated systems of the FAA. The Company is developing concepts under the Systems Engineering 2020 (SE2020) contract. The work spans all dimensions of a national effort to transform air traffic control, including ground systems, avionics, aircraft, air traffic control rules and procedures, human factors, safety and security, environmental processes and standards. Middle East Programs (MEP) provides oversight and management for the Company's teams working in t! hat regio! n. The core capabilities of the MEP include logistics, vehicle maintenance and repair, facility and utilities maintenance and repair services, civil engineering, minor construction, transportation services, base operations, guard services, and emergency fire and life support services. MEP also maintains a range of equipment, from small arms to Patriot missiles, performing maintenance tasks both domestically and overseas. Logistics services also include transport of soldiers and equipment for combat operations. The Company's vehicle maintenance and repair contract is its Kuwait based Army Preposition Stock-5 (APS-5 Kuwait) contract. The Communications and Information Systems (CYBER) business supports a range of the United States and Joint Forces military activities, as well as Federal civilian communications infrastructures globally, ranging from wideband satellite communications systems to network operations and management services. CYBER's capabilities include network management; mobile and fixed satellite communications operations and maintenance (SATCOM O&M); help desk support; switch, node and router support; database development; engineering; furnishing and installation of communications systems; information assurance of protected military networks, and field and depot level maintenance of communications equipment. As the prime contractor for the United States Army Network Command's Total Army Communications for Southwest Asia, central Asia and Africa program (TACSWACAA), CYBER maintains operational availability and information security for network resources in the battlefield network ever deployed. For the United States Southern Command, it operates and maintains tethered aerostats, which perform core drug interdiction and air sovereignty missions along the United States southern border. Communications support includes operations and maintenance for missions, such as the Defense Red Switch Network, which provides the President, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant co! mmanders ! and various agencies with secure communications technology and systems. The United States and Europe Programs is centered on logistics, base operations and infrastructure support to multiple military and governmental agencies in the United States and Europe. The business consists of supporting contracts with the United States Air Force and United States Army, including bases in the United States and Germany. The Company provides full spectrum base operating support, logistics, supply, maintenance and security to each of these installations. United States and Europe programs also focus on the nature of surface, rail and air transportation services, all life support services, as well as civil engineering and minor construction services. The Company competes with Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Raytheon Company, General Dynamics Corporation, L-3 Communications Corporation, SAIC Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, Harris Corporation, BAE Systems, Inc., Thales Group, EADS N.V., Finmeccanica S.p.A., DynCorp, KBR and Fluor. Advisors' Opinion: - [By Rich Smith]
The Department of Defense awarded McLean, Va.-based Exelis (NYSE: XLS ) a maximum $127.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract on Friday. - [By Rich Smith]
U.S. defense contractor Exelis (NYSE: XLS ) wants to help Italian soldiers see in the dark. On Wednesday, Exelis announced that it has been contracted by local Italian defense contractor Selex ES to supply Selex with binocular "i-Aware" Tactical Mobility Night Vision Goggles, which Italy will then incorporate into its "Future Soldier program." - [By Rich Smith]
It seems the Italians aren't the only military that likes Exelis' (NYSE: XLS ) night vision gear. Last month, Exelis announced that it had been contracted by an Italian defense contractor to supply "i-Aware" Tactical Mobility Night Vision Goggles for use by the Italian Army. On Tuesday, the company announced it had won a similar contract with the U.S. Navy.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In Right Now: iShares North American Tech-Software ETF (IGV) iShares S&P North American Technology-Software Index Fund (the Fund), formerly, iShares S&P GSTI Software Index, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance as represented by the S&P North American Technology-Software Index (the Index). The Index has been developed as an equity benchmark for United States-traded, software-related stocks. The Index includes companies that are producers of client/server applications, enterprise software, Internet software, personal computer and entertainment software. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities in the Index, which has a similar investment profile as the Index. Advisors' Opinion: - [By John Udovich]
Small cap Synacor Inc (NASDAQ: SYNC) says its "where Tech, Hollywood and Madison Avenue meet in the cloud��but its not exactly been a blockbuster for investors���meanings its worth taking a closer look at the stock along with the performance of potential benchmarks like the First Trust ISE Cloud Computing Index (NASDAQ: SKYY), iShares North American Tech-Software (NYSEARCA: IGV) and Global X Social Media Index ETF (NASDAQ: SOCL).
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