Saturday, February 28, 2015

Investors thankful for stocks at records

dow, stock market

Click the chart for more stock market data.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Stocks climbed higher for a seventh straight week last week, and the Dow and S&P 500 closed at record highs above key milestones. But will investors stay hungry for stocks during Thanksgiving week?

Trading volume is typically quiet during the holiday-shortened week. The U.S. markets will be closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving and will shut down at 1 p.m. EST on Friday.

Still, stocks have historically moved higher even as investors may be more focused on turkey and football. The S&P 500 has averaged a gain of 0.6% during Thanksgiving week over the past 20 years, according to Schaffer's Investment Research.

And with just a small move up, the Nasdaq could top 4,000, a level it hasn't touched since September 2000 -- just months after the tech market collapsed. The Nasdaq ended last week just shy of 3,992.

Meanwhile, world focus was on the nuclear deal reached between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany this weekend.

Under the deal, Iran has agreed to significantly reduce its nuclear program. In exchange, the six world powers will temporarily lift several sanctions against Iran, including those on gold and precious metals. Nearly $4.2 billion in Iranian oil reserves that had been frozen will also be unlocked.

Investors continue to wait for more clarity from the Federal Reserve about when it may pull back on some of its stimulus measures.

Minutes from the Fed's October meeting released last week showed that policymakers believe scaling back, or tapering, its bond buying program is warranted "in coming months." But exactly when the Fed will make the tapering announcement remains unclear.

Some experts believe the Fed could begin pulling back on its $85 billion per ! month in bond purchases as early as December.

Poll: How will the stock market do in 2014?

But others think the Fed will wait until early 2014 after Ben Bernanke's term as Fed chair is over.

Current Fed vice chair Janet Yellen is awaiting approval from the Senate to be the next head of the Fed.

Famous bull: Market has room to run   Famous bull: Market has room to run

Her confirmation is expected to be a formality after the Senate Banking Committee voted last week to send her nomination to the full Senate for a vote that is likely to take place next month.

The Fed's stimulus measures have been a major factor fueling the bull market for the past several years.

HP earnings and retail sales in the spotlight: Though the week ahead will likely be light on economic news, investors will be keeping an eye on a few earnings reports.

5 Best Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Hewlett-Packard (HPQ, Fortune 500) will be in focus as investors look for an update on Meg Whitman's turnaround plan for the PC and printer maker. Investors have been pleased with Whitman so far, and HP has been beating low expectations. Shares of HP are up almost 80% so far this year.

Tiffany's (TIF) and Barnes & Noble (BKS, Fortune 500) are also on tap to report their latest quarterly results. Retailers will generate a lot of attention on the night of Thanksgiving and Black Friday as the holiday shopping season kicks off.

There are some worries that consumers may be less willing to spend as much on gifts this year. But stores are opening earlier than ever before in hopes to attract more shoppers for Black Friday, one of the busiest! days of ! the year for retailers.

Kmart, a subsidiary of Sears (SHLD, Fortune 500), is leading the pack, opening at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and staying open for 41 hours straight -- a move that has generated backlash from some customers who feel that store employees should be given a break to spend time with family on the holiday.

Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500)is opening doors at at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, two hours earlier than last year. Macy's (M, Fortune 500), Kohl's (KSS, Fortune 500), J.C. Penney (JCP, Fortune 500) and Sears will let customers in at 8 p.m. To top of page

Thursday, February 26, 2015

4 Tech Stocks Under $10 Making Big Moves

Top Railroad Stocks To Buy For 2015

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- At Stockpickr, we track daily portfolios of stocks that are the biggest percentage gainers and the biggest percentage losers.

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy This Week

Stocks that are making large moves like these are favorites among short-term traders because they can jump into these names and try to capture some of that massive volatility. Stocks that are making big-percentage moves either up or down are usually in play because their sector is becoming attractive or they have a major fundamental catalyst such as a recent earnings release. Sometimes stocks making big moves have been hit with an analyst upgrade or an analyst downgrade.

Regardless of the reason behind it, when a stock makes a large-percentage move, it is often just the start of a new major trend -- a trend that can lead to huge profits. If you time your trade correctly, combining technical indicators with fundamental trends, discipline and sound money management, you will be well on your way to investment success.

>>5 Stocks Set to Soar on Bullish Earnings

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at a several stocks under $10 that are making large moves to the upside today.

Cyan

Cyan (CYNI) provides carrier-grade networking solutions that transform disparate and inefficient legacy networks into open, high-performance networks. This stock closed up 2.6% to $3.94 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $3.87-$4.19

52-Week Range: $3.61-$15.05

Tuesday's Volume: 1.19 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 185,685

>>5 Stocks Poised for Breakouts

From a technical perspective, CYNI spiked modestly higher here right above its 52-week low of $3.61 with monster upside volume. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last three months and change, with shares falling from its high of $11.29 to its recent low of $3.61. During that downtrend, shares of CYNI have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of CYNI into oversold territory, since its current relative strength index reading is 12.58. Oversold can always get more oversold, but it's also an area where a stock can make a powerful bounce higher from.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CYNI as long as it's trending above its 52-week low of $3.61 and then once it sustains a move or close above Tuesday's high of $4.19 with volume that hits near or above 185,685 shares. If we get that move soon, then CYNI will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to $5, or possibly even $6.

Cimatron

Cimatron (CIMT) designs, develops, manufactures, markets and supports a family of modular, high-performance CAD/CAM software products. This stock closed up 7.4% to $7.50 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $7.22-$7.85

52-Week Range: $4.02-$12.88

Tuesday's Volume: 1.32 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 278,455

>>5 Stocks With Big Insider Buying

From a technical perspective, CIMT spiked sharply higher here right above its 200-day moving average of $6.84 with monster upside volume. This move briefly pushed shares of CIMT into breakout territory, since the stock flirted with some near-term overhead resistance at $7.59. Shares of CIMT closed just below that level at $7.50 with strong volume. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if CIMT can manage to take out Tuesday's intraday high soon.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CIMT as long as it's trending above its 200-day at $6.84 or its 50-day at $6.29 and then once it sustains a move or close above Tuesday's high of $7.85 with volume that hits near or above 278,455 shares. If we get that move soon, then CIMT will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance level at $8.70 to $9. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give CIMT a chance to tag $10.

Alteva

Alteva (ALTV) provides cloud-based unified communications solutions for the medium business, large business and enterprise markets. This stock closed up 6.7% to $7.76 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $7.50-$7.91

52-Week Range: $5.76-$12.58

Tuesday's Volume: 104,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 51,986

From a technical perspective, ALTV spiked sharply higher here right off its 50-day moving average of $7.59 with above-average volume. This move briefly pushed shares of ALTV into breakout territory, since the stock flirted with some near-term overhead resistance at $7.85. Shares of ALTV closed just below that level at $7.76 with solid upside volume. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if ALTV can manage to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ALTV as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $7.59 or above more support at $7 and then once it sustains a move or close above Tuesday's high of $7.91 to more resistance at $8 with volume that's near or above 51,986 shares. If we get that move soon, then ALTV will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels $8.55 to its 200-day moving average at $9.14. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give ALTV a chance to tag $10.

Emulex

Emulex (ELX) is engaged in network connectivity, monitoring and management products, providing solutions for global networks that support enterprise, cloud, government and telecommunications. This stock closed up 3% to $7.77 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $7.86-$8.05

52-Week Range: $5.27-$8.99

Tuesday's Volume: 2.34 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 647,897

From a technical perspective, ELX spiked higher here right off its 50-day moving average of $7.69 with heavy upside volume. This move is quickly pushing shares of ELX within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That trade will hit if ELX manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $8.08 to $8.33, and then once it takes out some past resistance at $8.46 to its 52-week high at $8.99 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ELX as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $7.77 or above its 200-day at $7.07 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 647,897 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then ELX will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $10 to $11.

To see more stocks that are making notable moves higher today, check out the Stocks Under $10 Moving Higher portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.


RELATED LINKS:



>>3 Stocks Rising on Unusual Volume



>>5 Hated Earnings Stocks You Should Love



>>2 Airline Stocks You Should Reayy Own in 2014

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.


Sunday, February 22, 2015

Top European Stocks To Own For 2015

Top European Stocks To Own For 2015: Flamel Technologies S.A.(FLML)

Flamel Technologies S.A., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and commercialization of controlled-release therapeutic products based on its proprietary polymer based technology in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, France, and Europe. The company develops nanogel Medusa technology, which is intended to provide controlled release following injection of therapeutic proteins, peptides, and other molecules; a microparticle adaptation of the Medusa platform that is intended for use in the delivery of smaller proteins and peptides; and Micropump technology, a microparticle technology for oral administration of small molecule drugs with applications in controlled-release, taste-masking, and bioavailability enhancement; and Trigger-Lock technology, an adaptation based on Micropump technology, which is intended to minimize the misuse and abuse of medications subject to abuse. Its principal product based on Micropump technology is Coreg CR, which is intended for the treatment of moderate to severe heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction. The company?s products under development based upon Medusa technology include Interferon-alpha, a naturally occurring protein that the body uses for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus and as a immune response; and FT-105, an injectable insulin formulation for diabetic patients. Its products based on its Micropump technology comprise LiquiTime for the elderly and pediatric patient patients, or others who have difficulty swallowing. The company has strategic alliance with Baxter International, Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Merck Serono; and Pfizer Inc, as well as has a joint development agreement with Digna Biotech, S.L. Flamel Technologies S.A. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Venissieux, France.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [! By Anna Prior]

    Flamel Technologies SA(FLML) said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the company’s new drug application for Vazculep, an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of clinically important hypotension resulting primarily from vasodilation in the setting of anesthesia. American depositary shares rose 5.1% to $14.78 in premarket trading.

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    Healthcare shares gained 0.81 percent in the US market on Friday. Top gainers in the sector included Shire plc (NASDAQ: SHPG), StemCells (NASDAQ: STEM), and Flamel Technologies SA (NASDAQ: FLML).

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    Healthcare shares gained 0.81 percent in the US market on Friday. Top gainers in the sector included Shire plc (NASDAQ: SHPG), StemCells (NASDAQ: STEM), and Flamel Technologies SA (NASDAQ: FLML).

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

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Top 5 Internet Companies To Buy Right Now

Top 5 Internet Companies To Buy Right Now: Propell Technologies Group Inc (PROP)

Propell Technologies Group, Inc., incorporated on February 04, 2008, offers enhanced oil recovery technology and services. These services are offered through its wholly owned subsidiary Novas Energy USA, Inc., through commercial application of a Plasma-Pulse Technology.

The Companys technology is designed to be suitable for oil wells as deep as 12,000 feet. Novass Plasma-Pulse Treatment is an Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technology and process. The treatment uses no chemicals.

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

    Truth be told, oil giant Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) and major oil player Denbury Resources Inc. (NYSE:DNR) aren't likely worried about little ol' Propell Technologies Group Inc. (OTCBB:PROP)... at least not yet. Their lack of concern may end up being a big mistake, though. Propell Technologies Group has developed a new piece of oil well technology that can rejuvenate a struggling oil flow that might just make names like Denbury Resources and Halliburton green with envy.

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    While the ongoing implosion of crude oil prices has put high-profile names like Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) and Linn Energy LLC (NASDAQ:LINE) in the limelight - and the hot seat - all the noise surrounding those and other names may have distracted investors from looking at the oil rout in an opportunistic light rather than through the panic-colored glasses that have proven so damaging to the likes of LINE and CHK. Rather than fret over how difficult life was going to be for Linn Energy, Chesapeake Energy, and all their peers now that the price of oil was at or below the cost of drilling for it, investors should have been looking at companies that make drilling for oil cheaper and more cost-effective. Enter Propell Technologies Group Inc. (OTCBB:PROP).

  • [By John Udovich]

    Although oil prices ended the year! at multi year lows, now would be the time to take a closer look atsmall cap gas compression or enhanced oil recovery (EOR) stocks likeUsa Compression Partners LP (NYSE: USAC), CSI Compressco LP (NASDAQ: CCLP) and Propell Technologies Group Inc (OTCBB: PROP) before oil and gas prices inevitably rise again. To begin with, natural gas compression services are used to transport natural gas and specifically to getnatural gas from low-pressure wells into gathering systems, storage and processing facilitiesas well as to maintain production as reservoir pressure declines. Compression servicesare also used to extract gas fromunconventional natural gas sources like shale plays. Meanwhile,so-called enhanced oil recovery or EOR is just a generic term for the techniques used for increasing the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field with potential methods including steam flood and water flood injectionor hydraulic f racturing(so-called fracking). Naturally, demand for compression services and EOR technologies would be impacted by oil and gas commodity prices.

  • [By John Udovich]

    Mid cap oil services stocks Dresser-Rand Group Inc (NYSE: DRC) andFlowserve Corp (NYSE: FLS) and small cap Propell Technologies Group Inc (OTCBB: PROP) are all direct or indirect players in the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) sector among other niches. Of course, it might seem strange to be talking about oil services or enhanced oil recovery stocks when the bottom has fallen out from under the price of oil but consider the following two charts from WTRG Economicsand Gasbuddy.com:

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-5-internet-companies-to-buy-right-now.html

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Best Media Stocks To Watch Right Now

Best Media Stocks To Watch Right Now: Cablevision Systems Corporation (CVC)

Cablevision Systems Corporation provides telecommunications and media services. It operates in two segments, Telecommunications Services and Other. The Telecommunications Services segment is involved in television business, including video, high-speed data, and VoIP operations, as well as the provision of commercial data and voice services. The Other segment offers Newsday, a daily newspaper; amNewYork, a free daily newspaper; and Star Community Publishing, a group of weekly shopper publications; and newsday.com and exploreLI.com. This segment also engages in motion picture theatre business, Clearview Cinemas; provision of the News 12 Networks, a regional news programming services; and the MSG Varsity network, a network covering high school sports and activities, and other local programs, as well as cable television advertising. Cablevision Systems Corporation was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Bethpage, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By M. Joy Hayes]

    With no alternative candidates, there's no guarantee that directors will leave even if they fail to receive majority support. Consider the case of Cablevision (NYSE: CVC  ) . In 2010 and 2012, directors Thomas V. Reifenheiser, John R. Ryan, and Vincent S. Tese remained on the board even though they all failed to receive majority support in the company's 2010 and 2012 elections. Worse, Cablevision renominated the shunned directors yet again in 2013.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/best-media-stocks-to-watch-right-now-2.html

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Hot Regional Bank Companies To Own For 2015

Hot Regional Bank Companies To Own For 2015: AMC Networks Inc (AMCX)

AMC Networks Inc. (AMC Networks), incorporated on March 9, 2011, is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. AMC Networks owns and operates several of cable television's brands delivering content to audiences. AMC Networks operates in two segments: National Networks, which includes AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel, and International and Other, which includes AMC/Sundance Channel Global, its international programming business; IFC Films, its independent film distribution business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, its network technical services business. The Company's National Networks are distributed throughout the United States through cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and platforms operated by telecommunications providers. In addition to the Company's the United States distribution, AMC, IFC and Sundance Channel are available i n Canada and Sundance Channel and WE tv are available in other countries throughout Europe and Asia.

National Networks

AMC Networks owns four nationally distributed entertainment programming networks: AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel, which are available to its distributors in high-definition (HD) and/or standard-definition formats. The Company's programming networks principally generate their revenues from the distribution of programming and the sale of advertising. Affiliation fees paid by multichannel video programming distributors represent the largest component of distribution revenue, which also includes the licensing of original programming for digital, foreign and home video distribution. As of December 31, 2012, AMC, WE tv and IFC had 98.9 million, 81.5 million and 69.6 million Nielsen subscribers, respectively, and Sundance! Channel had 50.2 million viewing subscribers.

AMC is a television network dedicated to the storytel ling, whether commemorating favorite films or creating origi! nal programming. In addition to presenting feature films from its movie library, AMC features original programming that includes dramatic series, such as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Killing, Hell on Wheels and The Walking Dead. In addition, the network has introduced unscripted programming, including Talking Dead, Comic Book Men, The Pitch and Small Town Security. AMC's film library consists of films that are licensed from studios, such as Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros., Sony, MGM, NBC Universal, Paramount and Buena Vista under long-term contracts. AMC generally structures its contracts for the cable television rights to air the films during identified window periods. As of December 31, 2012, AMC had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video programming distributors and reached approximately 99 million Nielsen subscribers.

WE tv is a women's network that features original stories for and about modern women who are taking charge of thei r life, their family and their household. WE tv's original series include Braxton Family Values, Tamar & Vince, Mary, Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best? and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, among others. In addition, WE tv's programming includes series, such as Charmed, Ghost Whisperer and Roseanne, as well as feature films, with license rights to certain films from studios, such as Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. As of December 31, 2012, WE tv had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video distributors and reached approximately 82 million Nielsen subscribers. IFC creates original comedies that are in keeping with the network's Always On. Slightly Off brand and which air alongside a collection of films and comedic cult television shows.

The network's original content includes the comedy series Portlandia, created by and! starring! Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, and executive produced by Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels. Other IFC originals include Comedy Bang! Bang!, R. Kelly's Trapped in ! the Close! t and Out There, an animated series created by the long time animation director of South Park. IFC's programming also includes series, such as Arrested Development, Freaks and Geeks and Malcolm in the Middle, along with films from independent film distributors including Fox, Miramax, Sony, IFC Films, Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. As of December 31, 2012, IFC had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video distributors and reached approximately 70 million Nielsen subscribers.

Sundance Channel also has a slate of original unscripted series. Sundance Channel original unscripted programming includes the docu -series Push Girls, and celebrity vehicles The Mortified Sessions and Iconoclasts. In addition, the network benefits from its relationship with Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, where each year the network gives festival attendees and viewers access to the festival on-site and through dedicated programming on-air and online. As of December 31, 2012, Sundance Channel had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video programming distributors and reached approximately 50 million viewing subscribers. As of December 31, 2012, Sundance Channel generated advertising revenue from sponsorship arrangements and promotional breaks, rather than traditional advertising spots.

International and Other

In addition to the Company's National Networks, AMC Networks also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, which is its international programming business; IFC Films, its independent film distribution business; and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, its network technical services business. The Company's International and Other segment also includes VOOM HD Holdings LLC (VOOM HD). AMC/Sundance Channel Global's business p! rincipall! y consists of seven channels in 13 languages spread across 24 countries, focusing primarily on AMC in Canada and globally on versions of the Sundance Channel and WE tv brands. Princ! ipally ge! nerating revenues from affiliation fees, AMC/Sundance Channel Global reached approximately 15.9 million viewing subscribers in Canada, Europe and Asia as of December 31, 2012.

Sundance Channel provides independent film and also features certain content from AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and IFC Films, as well as serves as a pipeline of international content, in an effort to provide distinctive programming to an upscale audience. AMC Networks provides programming to the Canadian market through its AMC and Sundance Channel brands. Providing programming in the Korean and Mandarin languages, WE tv Asia provides a selection of the domestic programming from the WE tv the United States network with programs like Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, and some of the programming from networks in the United States, such as Tabatha's Salon Takeover and Tori & Dean. With the same broad satellite footprint as Sundance Channel-International, WE tv Asia is available in South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong. IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business, makes independent films available to a worldwide audience. IFC Films operates three distribution labels: Sundance Selects, IFC Films and IFC Midnight. IFC Films has a film library consists of more than 500 titles.

IFC Films also operates IFC Center, DOC NYC and SundanceNow. IFC Center is a independent movie theater located in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village. DOC NYC is an annual festival also located in New York City celebrating documentary storytelling in film, photography, prose and other media. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is a full-service network programming feed origination and distribution company, which primarily services the programming networks of AMC Networks. AMC Ne! tworks Br! oadcasting & Technology's operations are located in Bethpage, New York, where AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology consolidates o rigination and satellite communications functions in a 60,00! 0 square-! foot facility designed to keep AMC Networks at the forefront of network origination and distribution technology.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

    www.cbs.com"NCIS: New Orleans" extends the franchise for CBS. The fall season has kicked off, so it's time to look at the overall television market and the four companies that have the most at stake. Racing to Cash In On the Back End The month of May wasn't that merry for many broadcasters as upfront ad sales didn't go as well as expected. Think of the upfronts as a sales conference in which networks pitch 30-second spots to buyers, who commit money up front for the right to run their ads during commercial breaks. The more popular the show, the pricier the buy. Most networks managed meager price hikes this time around, leading analysts to speculate that buyers are shifting dollars to on-demand platforms such as YouTube and Hulu. "You're definitely seeing more compelling growth in advertising spending on new media platforms, digital platforms, than you are on the traditional. I don't think, though, that it's matched dollar for dollar in the sense that I don't think all the money that's flowed away from broadcast in the upfront necessarily flowed directly into new digital platforms," Disney (DIS) chief executive Bob Iger said during the most recent earnings conference call. Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA) President Chase Carey downplayed the digital networks in a call with analysts. He also said that Fox could see substantial upside in the "scatter" market, where unclaimed spots are sold. Highly rated shows can sometimes command a huge premium late in the season, as "Breaking Bad" did last year for AMC Networks (AMCX). Networks Making Big Bets Carey's correct about the potential upside, but for broadcasters! , the env! ironment is also about as dangerous as it's ever been. Here's a closer look at the four networks with the most on the line. 1. CBS (CBS) Is there a better positioned network than CBS? Not by my tally. "The Big Bang Theory" was TV's highest-rated scripted show last season, with 19.9 million viewers. "NCIS" and "NCIS: Los Angeles" also broke int

  • [By Paul R. La Monica]

    Consider how popular "Breaking Bad" from AMC (AMCX) is on Netflix as many people started to binge-watch it after hearing the strong word-of-mouth reviews.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    So what does the opportunity look like? Well since Netflix (NFLX) inked its deal with AMC Networks (AMCX), Netflix’s top line and subs expanded by 30% to +$4 billion and 36 million respectively. More than Netflix’s own Originals (3 of 50), AMC Networks also controls 16% (8 of 50) of the top 50 shows watched on Netflix and we think better than 20% of the hours spent on Netflix is the viewing of Netflix content. Thus the streaming opportunity for an AMC Networks consolidation is about $1 billion in our view and we think the opportunity for Time Warner and Fox is in excess of $3 billion.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-regional-bank-companies-to-own-for-2015-2.html

Monday, February 16, 2015

Why And When Do Countries Default?

Compared to stocks and corporate bonds, investors tend to think of government debt as a kind of safety blanket for their portfolio. While companies can go bankrupt and leave borrowers in the lurch, political leaders wouldn't let that happen to a government liability, right?

In fact, countries can, and periodically do, default on their debt. This happens when the government is either unable or unwilling to make good on its fiscal promises. Argentina, Russia and Pakistan are just a few of the governments that have defaulted over the past couple decades.

Of course, not all defaults are the same. In some cases, the government actually misses an interest or principal payment. Other times, it simply delays a disbursement. The government can also exchange the original notes for new ones with less favorable terms. Here, the holder either accepts lower returns or takes a "haircut" on the loan – that is, accepts a bond with a much smaller par value.

Table 1

Partial list of countries that have defaulted since 1999.

Country

Default Year(s)

Duration of Default

Ecuador

2008-2009

6 months

Grenada

2004-2005

11 months

Paraguay

2003-2004

18 months

Argentina

2001-2005

54 months

Indonesia

2000

6 months

Pakistan

1999

11 months

Russia

1999-2000

22 months

Factors Affecting Risk

Historically, failure to make good on loans is a bigger problem for countries that borrow in a foreign currency. Why? Because when they face a budgetary shortfall, such nations don't have the option to simply print more money.

The fact that many developing countries issue bonds in an alternate currency – often the U.S. dollar – helps explain why wealth plays such a big part in default risk. According to The World Bank, the probability of public debt default among all countries with a high gross national income per capita is 7%, compared to 17% for countries with low gross national income per capita. There are exceptions to this general rule, however.

Despite their relatively high per-capita income, some eurozone countries face the same limitation. Even with multiple foreign bailouts, Greece has forced private bondholders to take significant haircuts of up to 74%.

The nature of a country's government also plays a major role in credit risk. Research suggests that the presence of checks and balances leads to fiscal policies that maximize social welfare – and honoring debt carried by domestic as well as foreign investors certainly does that. Conversely, governments where certain political groups hold a disproportionate power level can lead to reckless spending and eventually default.

With the ability to print their own money, countries like the United States, Great Britain and Japan would appear immune to a debt default. This isn't quite the case, however. Despite a stellar record overall, the United States has technically defaulted a few times throughout its history. In one instance in 1979, the Treasury temporarily missed payments on $122 million in debt because of a paperwork error. And even if the government is able to pay its debts, legislators may not be willing to do so, as periodic clashes over the debt limit remind us.

It's also important to remember that investors can take a haircut on government debt, ev! en if the nation hasn't officially defaulted. Whenever the country's treasury has to print more money to meet its obligations, the country's total money supply increases and each dollar in circulation loses some of its value.

Mitigating Risks

When a country defaults on its debt, the impact on bondholders can be severe. In addition to punishing individual investors, it impacts pension funds and other large investors with substantial holdings.

One of the ways that institutional investors can protect themselves against catastrophic losses is through a contract known as a credit default swap. The contract seller agrees to pay any remaining principal and interest should the nation go into default. In exchange, the buyer pays a period protection fee, which is similar to an insurance premium. The protected party agrees to transfer the original bond, which may have some residual value, to its counterpart should a negative credit event take place.

While originally intended as a form of protection, swaps have also become a common way to speculate on a country's credit risk. As such, many of those trading credit swaps don't have positions on the underlying bonds that they reference. For example, an investor who thinks the market has overestimated Greece's credit problems could sell a contract and collect premiums, confident of having no one to reimburse.

Because credit default swaps are relatively sophisticated instruments and trade over-the-counter, getting up-to-date market prices is difficult for typical investors. This is one of the reasons they are typically used by institutional investors with more extensive market knowledge and access to special computer programs that capture transaction data.

Economic Impact

Just as an individual who misses payments has a harder time finding affordable loans, countries that default – or risk default, for that matter – experience substantially higher borrowing costs. Agencies such as Moody's, Standard & Poor's! and Fitc! h are responsible for rating the debt quality of countries around the world based on their financial and political status. In general, nations with a higher credit rating enjoy lower interest rates.

When a country actually does default, it can take years to recover. Argentina, which missed bond payments beginning in 2001, is a perfect example. By 2012, the interest rate on its bonds was still more than 12 percentage points higher than that of U.S. Treasuries.

Perhaps the biggest concern about a default, however, is the impact on the broader economy. In the U.S., many mortgages and student loans are pegged to Treasury rates. If borrowers were to experience dramatically higher payments as the result of a debt default, the result would be substantially less disposable income to spend on goods and services.

Because the contagion can spread to other economies, countries with close ties – and especially those that own much of the debt – will sometimes step in to avert a default. This happened in the mid-1990s when the United States helped bail out Mexican bonds. And in the wake of the 2008 global recession, the International Monetary Fund, European Union and European Central Bank provided Greece with much-needed liquidity.

The Perfect Time to Invest?

Where some investors look at a financial crisis and see chaos, others recognize an opportunity. They believe that default represents a bottom point – or something close to it – for government bonds. And, for a "glass half full" kind of investor, the only direction these bonds can go is up.

In fact, a number of so-called "vulture funds" specialize in precisely this kind of activity. Much like a debt collection agency buying personal credit accounts on the cheap, these funds purchase government bonds for a fraction of their original worth.

Because of the economic fallout that usually occurs after a default, investors frequently start hunting for undervalued stocks as well. Certainly, investing in such! countrie! s comes with its fair share of risk, as there's no guarantee that a rebound will ever take place. Those seeking security in their portfolio above all else will probably want to look elsewhere.

Yet recent historical examples are encouraging for a more growth-oriented investor. For instance, within the past few decades, equity markets in Russia, Brazil and Mexico increased substantially in the wake of a bond crisis. The key is to look for companies with competitive advantages and a low price-to-earnings ratio that reflects their elevated risk level.

The Bottom Line

There have been numerous government defaults over the past few decades, especially in countries that borrow in a foreign currency. When this happens, the government's bond yields rise precipitously, creating a ripple effect throughout the domestic or even world economy.

Friday, February 13, 2015

4 Stocks Rising on Unusual Volume

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

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

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

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

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals (KYTH) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel prescription products for the aesthetic medicine market. This stock closed up 12.2% to $31.99 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 221,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 72,572

Volume % Change: 220%

From a technical perspective, KYTH ripped sharply higher here right above its 50-day moving average of $26.92 with heavy upside volume. This move pushed shares of KYTH into new all-time-high territory above its previous all-time high at $31.93, which is bullish technical price action.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in KYTH as long as it's trending above Monday's low of $28.28 and then once it sustains a move or close above its new all-time high at $32 with volume that hits near or above 72,572 shares. If we get that move soon, then KYTH will set up to enter new all-time-high territory, which is bullish price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $35 to $37.

Usec

Usec (USU) is a global energy company, which is a supplier of low enriched uranium for commercial nuclear power plants. This stock closed up 8.3% at $13.75 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 1.57 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 651,161

Volume % Change: 227%

From a technical perspective, USU bounced sharply higher here right off its 200-day moving average of $11.77 and back above its 50-day moving average of $13.36 with heavy upside volume. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last month, with shares moving lower from its high of $22.73 to its recent low of $12.12. During that move, shares of USU have been making mostly lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, the downside volatility might be over in the short-term for USU, since the stock has now started to bounce off key moving averages with volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in USU as long as it's trending above Monday's low of $12.12 and then once it sustains a move or close above Monday's intraday high of $14.66 with volume that hits near or above 651,161 shares. If we get that move soon, then USU will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $17 to $19.

Nu Skin Enterprises

Nu Skin Enterprises (NUS) is a direct selling company, which develops and distributes personal care products and nutritional supplements that are sold under the Nu Skin and Pharmanex brands. This stock closed up 5.4% at $92.96 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 2 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 900,802

Volume % Change: 85%

From a technical perspective, NUS ripped higher here right above some near-term support at $85 with heavy upside volume. This move pushed shares of NUS into breakout and new 52-week-high territory, since the stock took out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $88.20 to $89.69. This move also pushed shares of NUS above the upper-end of its recent range that saw the stock trend between $82 to just above $89.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in NUS as long as it's trending above support at $85 and then once it sustains a move or close above Monday's high of $93.33 with volume that this near or above 900,802 shares. If we get that move soon, then NUS will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $100 to $105.

Domino's Pizza

Domino's Pizza (DPZ) is engaged in retail sales of food through Domino's Pizza stores; sales of equipment and supplies to Domino's Pizza stores and receipt of royalties from domestic and international Domino's Pizza franchisees. This stock closed up 2.3% at $63.04 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 1.19 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 663,847

Volume % Change: 65%

From a technical perspective, DPZ jumped higher here right off its 50-day moving average of $62.06 with strong upside volume. This stock has been trending sideways for the last few weeks, with shares moving between $60.86 on the downside and just over $64 on the upside. This move on Monday has now started to push shares of DPZ above the upper-end of its recent sideways trading chart pattern.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in DPZ as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $62.06 and then once it sustains a move or close above Monday's high of $63.07 with volume that's near or above 663,847 shares. If we get that move soon, then DPZ will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 52-week high at $64.70. Any high-volume move above that level will then give DPZ a chance to tag $70.

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

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now

Were it the first time, or even the second time, it happened, it might be dismissible. A third time though? As they say, the third time is the charm. If the old saying applies in the worlds of small cap stocks (and it usually does), then Prima Biomed Ltd. (NASDAQ:PBMD) just kick-started what could be a trade-worthy rally.

Never heard of PBMD? Don't worry about it - most investors haven't. Even by small cap stocks' standards it's obscure. That doesn't mean Prima Biomed isn't worth a look, however.

Simply put, and as the name somewhat suggests, Prima Biomed Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company. Specifically, it's an Australian-based manufacturer of immunotherapies aimed at fighting cancer. It's not a huge company, with a market cap of $64 million and revenue of $2.4 million last fiscal year. As is the case with most biotechnology stocks (and small cap stocks, for that matter), the key to this stock's upside isn't in where PBMD is, but where PBMD is going. And, it finally looks like the company's going somewhere inviting.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Buy For 2015: Sify Technologies Limited(SIFY)

Sify Technologies Limited provides enterprise and consumer Internet services primarily in India. The company offers various corporate network/data services comprising e-commerce and network connectivity solutions, such as end-to-end services network, application, and security services; voice origination and termination services; co-location and managed hosting services; and system integration services for data centre build, hardware distribution, security solutions, and turnkey projects. It also provides application services, including SLEMS and Microsoft Exchange messaging platforms; I-test for online assessment and LiveWire, which enable management of training processes across the organization; document management system for the management of documents electronically; and Forum, a forward supply chain solution. In addition, the company operates e-Ports that offer browsing, chat, email, gaming, utility bill payment, travel ticketing, hotel booking, mobile recharge, Intern et telephony, and online share trading services; and portals, which provide news, views, reviews, interactions, and services in the areas of movies, sports, finance, food, videos, astrology, online games, shopping, and travel, as well as offers content offerings and broadband services. Further, it provides infrastructure management services, such as network management, datacenter and helpdesk outsourcing, desktop and storage outsourcing, IT security outsourcing, LAN and WAN outsourcing, database and telecom outsourcing, and application monitoring and management services to automotive, chemical, media, and financial enterprises; and virtualization design, integration, and deployment services for servers, storage, networks, and end user clients. Sify has approximately 1,278 e-Ports in 200 towns and cities; and serves 1,06,000 broadband subscribers through 1500 cable TV Operators. The company, formerly known as Sify Limited, was founded in 1995 and is based in Chennai, India. Advisors' Opinion:

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    Technology stocks gained Tuesday, with Ku6 Media Co (NASDAQ: KUTV) leading advancers. Among leading tech stocks, gains came from Rubicon Technology (NASDAQ: RBCN), Bitauto Holdings (NYSE: BITA) and Sify Technologies (NASDAQ: SIFY).

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now: Petroquest Energy Inc(PQ)

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. operates as an independent oil and gas company. It engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of oil and gas properties in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, as well as onshore and in the shallow waters offshore the Gulf Coast Basin. As of December 31, 2009, the company had estimated proved reserves of 1,931 thousand barrels of oil and 167,361 million cubic feet equivalent of natural gas. It owned working interests in 9 net producing oil wells and 277 net producing gas wells. PetroQuest Energy was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jon C. Ogg]

    PetroQuest Energy Inc. (NYSE: PQ) was downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at J.P. Morgan.

    Rubicon Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: RBCN) was downgraded to Underperform from Perform at Oppenheimer.

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now: EZchip Semiconductor Limited(EZCH)

EZchip, a fabless semiconductor company, engages in the development and marketing of Ethernet network processors for networking equipment. Its products include network processor chips, evaluation boards and network-processor based systems, and development software toolkits. The company offers network processors for use in forming the silicon core of networking equipment, such as switches and routers; and for voice, video and data integration in various applications. Its network processors are single-chip solutions, which enable its customers to design multi-port line cards, such as processing and classification engines, traffic managers, media access controllers, as well as a range of specialized hardware blocks that accelerate various functions. The company offers Evaluation systems which enable customers to test NPU-based systems; and toolkits that assist customers in creating, verifying, and implementing solutions based on its network processors. It provides a library f eaturing data plane code for a range of applications, which include Metro Ethernet protocols, Multi-Protocol Label Switching, IPv4 and IPv6 routing, Access Control Lists, GPON/EPON OLT functionality, Network Address Translation, and Server Load Balancing. The company sells its products directly, and through contract manufacturers and distributors to network equipment vendors. It markets its products in Israel, China, Hong Kong, the Far East, Canada, the United States, and Europe. The company was formerly known as LanOptics Ltd. and changed its name to EZchip Semiconductor Ltd. in July 2008. EZchip Semiconductor Ltd. was founded in 1989 and is based in Yokneam, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lisa Levin]

    EZchip Semiconductor (NASDAQ: EZCH) shares climbed 5.80% to $23.53. The volume of EZchip Semiconductor shares traded was 635% higher than normal. EZchip Semiconductor's PEG ratio is 1.57.

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now: OCZ Technology Group Inc(OCZ)

OCZ Technology Group, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes computer components for computing devices and systems worldwide. It primarily offers solid state drives, flash memory storage, memory modules, thermal management solutions, AC/DC switching power supply units, and computer gaming solutions. The company?s products are used in industrial equipment and computer systems; computer and computer gaming solutions; mission critical servers and high end workstations; personal computer (PC) upgrades to extend the useable life of existing PCs; high performance computing and scientific computing; video and music editing; home theatre PCs and digital home convergence products; and digital photography and digital image manipulation computers. OCZ Technology Group, Inc. offers its products to retailers, on-line retailers, original equipment manufacturers, systems integrators, and distributors. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in San Jose, Califo rnia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Duprey]

    The not-so-great and wonderful OCZ
    There was no company-specific news that caused solid-state-drive maker OCZ Technology (NASDAQ: OCZ  ) to fall almost 8% Wednesday. But an article that appeared on Seeking Alpha �questioning whether the company had six months or less to live before it filed for bankruptcy seemed to coincide with its fall.

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now: Sky-mobi Limited(MOBI)

Sky-mobi Limited engages in the operation of a mobile application store in the People?s Republic of China. It works with handset companies to pre-install its Maopao mobile application store on handsets and with content developers to provide users with applications and content titles. The users of its Maopao store could browse, download, and purchase a range of applications and content, such as single-player games, mobile music, and books. The company?s Maopao store enables mobile applications and content to be downloaded and run on various mobile handsets with hardware and operating system configurations. It also operates a mobile social network community, the Maopao Community, where it offers localized mobile social games, as well as applications and content with social network functions to its registered members. The company owns proprietary mobile application technology in the cloud computing, the MRP format, and SDK development environment. As of March 31, 2011, it had entered into cooperation agreements with approximately 523 handset companies to pre-install Maopao. The company was formerly known as Profit Star Limited and changed its name to Sky-Mobi Limited in October 2010. Sky-mobi Limited was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, China.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Another stock that's starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Sky-mobi (MOBI), which, through its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of a mobile application platform embedded on mobile phones to provide mobile application store and services in the People�s Republic of China. This stock has been red hot so far in 2013, with shares up a whopping 88%.

    If you look at the chart for Sky-mobi, you'll notice that this stock recently formed a triple bottom chart pattern at $3.31, $3.28 and $3.40 a share. That bottoming pattern occurred over the last two months. Shares of MOBI have now started to uptrend and flirt with its 50-day moving average of $3.76 a share. That move is quickly pushing MOBI within range of triggering a big breakout trade.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in MOBI if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $3.71 to $3.83 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 145,934 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then MOBI will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 52-week high at $4.96 a share. Any high-volume move above that level will then give MOBI a chance to tag its next major overhead resistance levels at $5.55 to $6.13 a share.

    Traders can look to buy MOBI off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $3.40 to $3.28 a share. One can also buy MOBI off strength once it takes out that breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Sky-mobi (NASDAQ: MOBI) is projected to report its Q2 results.

    Perfect World Co (NASDAQ: PWRD) is estimated to post its Q2 earnings at $0.41 per share on revenue of $150.56 million.

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now: China Metro-Rural Holdings Limited(CNR)

China Metro-Rural Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the development and operation of agricultural logistics and trade centers in northeast China. It also involves in purchasing, processing, assembling, merchandising, and distributing pearls and jewelry products. The company markets its pearls and jewelry products to wholesale distributors and mass merchandisers in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia. In addition, it develops, sells, and leases residential and commercial properties in Hong Kong and the People?s Republic of China. The company is based in Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Katie Brennan]

    Canadian National Railway Co. (CNR) added 0.9 percent to C$104.93 and Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. rose 1.7 percent to C$131.73.

    Niko Resources surged 3.4 percent to $8.64 after the company entered an agreement for a $60 million loan that will be funded by a group of institutional investors. Net proceeds from the loan will be used to fund working capital requirements.

Best Small Cap Stocks To Own Right Now: KongZhong Corporation(KONG)

KongZhong Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides wireless interactive entertainment, media, and community services to mobile phone users in the People's Republic of China. It also involves in the development, distribution, and marketing of consumer wireless value-added services, including wireless application protocol, multimedia messaging services, short messaging services, interactive voice response services, and color ring back tones. In addition, it offers interactive entertainment services, such as mobile games, pictures, karaoke, electronic books, mobile phone personalization features, entertainment news, chat, and message boards; and through Kong.net offer news, community services, games, and other interactive media and entertainment services; and sells advertising space in the form of text-link, banner, and button advertisements. Further, the company develops and publishes mobile games, including downloadable mobile games and online mobile games cons isting of action, role-playing, and leisure games. As of December 31, 2009, it had a library of approximately 300 internally developed mobile games. Additionally, it develops online games; and provides consulting and technology services, as well as media and net book services. The company was formerly known as Communication Over The Air Inc. and changed its name to KongZhong Corporation in March 2004. KongZhong Corporation was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [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 Kongzhong (Nasdaq: KONG  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Amerisource Bergen: A Good Buy in the Wholesale Drugs Sector

Amerisource Bergen (ABC) offers packaging and distribution services to drugs manufacturers across the U.S. and Canada.

Its shares are currently trading around $39, and the mean 12 month price target from analysts researching the stock is $45.33 (17% upside potential). This stock is trading above its 50-day exponential moving average of $38.40 and its 200-day exponential moving average of $38.25. The 50-day EMA has recently moved above the 200-day EMA, a potentially bullish indicator. There is good, solid support for the shares at around $35, though the low over the last 52 weeks is 34.33: a level from which there was an extremely strong bounce in August.

Earnings per share for the last 12 months are $2.59, and these are expected to reach $2.81 in its next fiscal year (ending September 2012). These numbers place the shares on a trailing P/E ratio of 15.43, and a forward multiple of 12.30. Comparing the forward ratio to that of direct competitors Cardinal Health (CAH) and McKesson (MCK) Amerisource trades on a slightly higher rating, though not markedly so. Cardinal Health's forward multiple is 11.99 and McKesson's is 11.22.

Best Communications Equipment Companies To Watch For 2015

All three companies pay dividends. Amerisource's 1.3% yield lies between the 1% yield of McKesson and the 2% yield of Cardinal Health. Amerisource has increased its dividend for seven consecutive years, by an average of 47%. With its dividend covered around five times by its earnings it has room to continue to increase its dividend by an attractive amount for the foreseeable future if it so wishes.

The company holds cash equivalent to $7.07 per share, and has a debt/equity ratio of 47.61. This is easily manageable with its cash flow of $1.17 billion last year. Its business area is low margin: Operating margin at Amerisource is 1.53%, similar to Cardinal's 1.55% and McKesson's! 1.88%. All three companies have profit margins less than 1%. However, Amerisource's return on equity (24.28%) is almost 8% higher than its rivals' returns on equity of 16.6% and 16.64%, respectively.

The company recently completed the $250 million purchase of the reimbursement and data collection, analytical, and reporting service company TheraCom. Of the acquisition, CEO Steve H. Collis said, "The acquisition of TheraCom will significantly increase the size and scope of our consulting services offering and meaningfully expands our reimbursement, adherence and patient access services for pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers. The addition of TheraCom's capabilities to our market-leading consulting services will provide our manufacturer customers with enhanced solutions to meet the challenges in the changing healthcare landscape, and will help ensure even greater patient access to medication therapies."

The acquisition will be earnings neutral through 2012, and then earnings positive. This acquisition follows earlier purchases of IntrinsiQ and Premier Source.

I believe that Amerisource has management that is in control of its cost base and seeks to grow organically and by acquisition. Its acquisitions are aimed at diversification and broadening of its business areas, and seem to be well structured financially. It recently announced an issue of $500 million of 3.5% senior notes due in 2021, and also has dispensation to repurchase its shares, which it sees as increasing shareholder value. With a reasonable and growing dividend, and strong return on equity numbers, I strongly believe Amerisource Bergen is a good play in the drugs wholesale sector.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014

My top idea for conservative, income-oriented investors in the coming year is a closed-end fund that invests in public and privately-held companies doing work in the life sciences arena, writes Nate Pile of Nate's Notes.

The life sciences industry includes stocks in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, managed healthcare and medical equipment, and healthcare information technology and services.

This recommended fund��ambrecht & Quist Life Sciences Fund (HQL)��as also our top pick last year, and the fund rose 44% in 2013.

In addition to rising in value, the fund has a dividend policy of paying out 2% of its net asset value of each quarter.

By choosing to take this payout in the form of a dividend reinvestment, rather than cash, investors have done very well for themselves as they've watched, both the size of their holdings, and the share price itself, increase as the years have rolled by.

To be sure, you will always be able to get more bang for your buck by owning individual biotech stocks.

Hot Retail Companies To Watch In Right Now: Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TARO)

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

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

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

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

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

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

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

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

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014: DENTSPLY International Inc.(XRAY)

DENTSPLY International Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets dental consumable products, dental laboratory products, and dental specialty products worldwide. The company?s dental consumable products include dental sundries, such as dental anesthetics, prophylaxis pastes, dental sealants, impression materials, restorative materials, tooth whiteners, and topical fluoride; and small equipment, including high and low speed handpieces, intraoral curing light systems, dental diagnostic systems, and ultrasonic scalers and polishers used in dental offices for the treatment of patients. Its dental laboratory products comprise dental prosthetics, including artificial teeth, precious metal dental alloys, dental ceramics, and crown and bridge materials, as well as equipment, such as computer aided machining ceramic systems and porcelain furnaces used in the preparation of dental appliances by dental laboratories. The company?s dental specialty products consist of endodonti c instruments and materials, implants and related products, bone grafting materials, 3D digital implantology, and orthodontic appliances and accessories. Its customers include dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental laboratories, and dental schools. The company distributes its dental products directly to dental laboratories and dental professionals, as well as through distributors, dealers, and importers. DENTSPLY International Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in York, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Monica Gerson]

    DENTSPLY International (NASDAQ: XRAY) shares touched a new 52-week high of $47.65. DENTSPLY's trailing-twelve-month ROE is 15.95%.

    Sun Life Financial (NYSE: SLF) shares gained 2.47% to create a new 52-week high of $34.80 on Q3 results. Sun Life reported its Q3 operating net income from continuing operations of $422 million.

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014: Intrexon Corp (XON)

Intrexon Corporation, incorporated on April 19, 2004, is engaged in the business of synthetic biology. Using the Company�� suite of complementary technologies, it design, build and regulate gene programs, or sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that control cellular function, and cellular systems, or activities that take place within a cell and the interaction of those systems in the greater cellular environment, to enable the development of new and improved products and manufacturing processes across a variety of end markets, including healthcare, food, energy and environmental sciences. Its technologies include the UltraVector gene design and fabrication platform; Cell Systems Informatics; LEAP-cell identification and selection, and mAbLogix-antibody discovery.

The Company�� LEAP technology facilitates the automated identification of an individual cell with the highest levels of expression, quality and potency from a population of over 100,000 cells. Its mAbLogix platform complements UltraVector with a library of human antibodies that exceeds 500 million. By immortalizing human tonsils, which consists of lymphatic tissue containing B-cells, its mAbLogix platform creates a B-cell library that can generate antibodies against an almost infinite number of new antigens.

The UltraVector gene design and fabrication platform

The Company�� gene program design platform, which it refer to as UltraVector, is an integrated suite of tools comprising advanced DNA construction technology and components, cellular and protein engineering tools, computational models and statistical methods which facilitate the rapid design, build and testing of complex systems. The UltraVector platform allows the Company to translate gene programs into standard components that can be designed, manufactured and tested in an automated format. This technology enables it to engineer at the cellular level from biological sources.

UltraVector DNA design is computer-automated and ! utilizes a set of defined construction rules to assemble components that are stored in its DNA library. In addition to the number of gene components in its UltraVector library, it is designing and creating enzymatic and regulatory components that provide control over genome integration and gene regulation. Its RheoSwitch Therapeutic System is a three-component transcriptional regulator that provides inducible gene expression. The RheoSwitch Therapeutic System provides the ability to not only express proteins/enzymes of interest, but also the ability to control the level and timing of expression to achieve a biological outcome. Other ongoing programs include its Attsite recombinases, which mediate predictable gene exchange into host cells thereby eliminating many of the difficulties seen with traditional gene insertion.

Cell Systems Informatics

The Company�� Cell systems informatics permits design, as well as testing and learning about new gene targets or product pathways. Its bioinformatics software and database systems for mapping cellular pathways when combined with its genome-scale modeling and experimental data, including, gene expression profiling and protein engineering, enable the Company to optimize selection and development of gene programs and cellular systems for its collaborators. Its computational modeling and simulation platform enables the development of predictive computer models of organisms, from microbes to humans. This platform builds virtual cells from their basic molecular components, and can simulate the activity of the cell�� complete reaction network.

The Company is designing proteins with post-translational modifications. It is also working to develop enzyme inhibitors and fusion proteins for a variety of applications in human and animal therapeutics. Its protein engineering may utilize one or more of its technologies to obtain catalysis activitiesits component library, the generation of component variants sequence, evolutionary analy! sis and s! tructure-based sequence alignment, computer-aided drug discovery, de novo, or synthesized or generated, and comparative protein modeling, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy analysis, antibody design and humanization, antigenicity prediction, protein pharmacokinetics optimization, and/or in silico support of enzyme engineeringand quantitative structure-function relationships with machine learning algorithms to optimize, facilitate and prioritize protein variant libraries for the advancement of its collaborators.

LEAP-cell identification and selection

The Company�� Laser-Enabled Analysis and Processing technology (LEAP), is an instrument that merges semiconductor manufacturing technologies for cell processing applications to provide high levels of control and scale to cell purification and stem cell culture management. The LEAP platform can identify and purify cells of interest from large libraries of cells created by its UltraVector and bioinformatics technologies using a laser-based purification process, thereby providing a mechanism of testing the degree of protein expression in genetically modified cells, as well as means to learn from the genetic building process.

mAbLogix- antibody discovery

The Company�� mAbLogix antibody discovery platform, or mAbLogix platform, enables production of B-cell libraries for discovery of antibodies. The mAbLogix platform permits antigen targeting using fully human monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Its mAbLogix antibody discovery process consists of two major activities: the build of human B-cell libraries expressing a large number of antibodies, and the testing of these libraries based on an analysis of B-cells that express antibodies in response to a chosen antigen.

The Company competes with AbD SeroTec, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., XOMA Corporation, Genmab US, Inc., MorphoSys AG, NovImmune SA, Societe Des Systemes Biologiques, Adimab, LLC, ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc., Abpro, Inc.,! AIIM The! rapeutics and Open Monoclonal Technology, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jon C. Ogg]

    Intrexon Corp. (NYSE: XON) was started as Buy at Mizuho Securities, started as Equal Weight at Barclays and started as Overweight at J.P. Morgan.

    Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) was raised to Hold from Sell at Deutsche Bank, raised to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse and
    Canaccord Genuity raised its price target to $5.50 from $3.30.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Overvalued companies include MWI Veterinary (MWIV) and�Stericycle (SRCL), while companies with attractive valuations include Cardinal Health (CAH), Selected Medical (SEM). He’s not a fan of Intrexon (XON) but calls�Aratana (PETX) a “hidden gem.”

  • [By John Udovich]

    Bubble talk, biotech IPO setbacks plus news�about small cap biotechs like Intrexon Corp (NYSE: XON) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) have dominated biotech news this week or in recent weeks. Just consider the following news:

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014: CryoLife Inc (CRY)

CryoLife, Inc. (CryoLife,), incorporated in January 19,1984, is a biological medical device company. The Company preserves and distributes human tissues for transplantation and develops, manufactures, and commercializes medical devices for cardiac and vascular applications. The cardiac and vascular human tissues distributed by CryoLife include the CryoValve SG pulmonary heart valve (CryoValve SGPV) and the CryoPatch SG pulmonary cardiac patch tissue (CryoPatch SG), both processed using CryoLife�� SynerGraft technology. The Company operates in two segments: preservation services and medical devices segment. The preservation services segment includes services revenues from the preservation of cardiac and vascular tissues during the year ended December 31, 2011. The medical devices segment includes revenues from product sales of BioGlue, BioFoam, PerClot, HemoStase and revascularization technologies, as well as sales of other medical devices. CryoLife�� surgical sealants and hemostats include BioGlue Surgical Adhesive (BioGlue), BioFoam Surgical Matrix (BioFoam) and PerClot, an absorbable powdered hemostat. In May 2011, it acquired Cardiogenesis Corporation. In May 2012, the Company acquired Hemosphere, Inc. Hemosphere develops and markets the HeRO (Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow) Graft, a graft-based solution for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) hemodialysis patients with limited access options and central venous obstruction. In February 2014, CryoLife Inc announced the establishment of CryoLife Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

CryoLife distributes preserved human cardiac and vascular tissues to implanting institutions throughout the United States (U.S), Canada and Europe. CryoLife processes and preserves cardiac and vascular tissues using processing and freezing techniques, or cryopreservation. The Company�� preservation process involves the recovery of tissue from deceased human donors by tissue banks and organ procurement organizations (OTPOs), the delivery, of such tissue to the Company, the s! creening, dissection, disinfection, processing, and preservation of the tissue by the Company, and the storage and shipment of the preserved tissue.

The human heart valves and cardiac patch tissues preserved by the Company are used in cardiac reconstruction and heart valve replacement surgeries. The Company preserves human aortic and pulmonary heart valves for implantation by cardiac surgeons. In addition, the Company preserves human cardiac patches for surgeons. The Company preserves human cardiac patches in three primarily anatomic configurations: pulmonary hemi-artery, pulmonary trunk and pulmonary branch. As of December 31, 2011, CryoLife shipped approximately 77,600 heart valves and cardiac patch tissues, including approximately 3,000 shipments during 2011.

The human vascular tissues preserved by the Company, including the CryoVein and CryoArtery, are used to treat a variety of vascular reconstructions, such as peripheral bypass, hemodialysis access and aortic infections. The Company preserves small diameter human saphenous vein conduits (3 millimeter to 6 millimeter) for use in peripheral vascular reconstructions. The Company also preserves femoral veins and arteries and aortoiliac arteries for bypass, hemodialysis access, or reconstruction within infected surgical areas. As of December 31, 2011, the Company shipped approximately 66,100 human vascular tissues, including approximately 4,500 shipments during 2011.

CryoLife�� product BioGlue, designed for cardiac, vascular, pulmonary, and general surgical applications, is a polymer based on bovine blood protein and an agent for cross-linking proteins. CryoLife distributes BioGlue throughout the United States and approximately 75 other countries. CryoLife distributes BioGlue for repair of soft tissues under conformite Europeene Mark Product Certification (CE Mark). CryoLife distributes BioGlue in Japan for use in the repair of aortic dissections.

CryoLife�� product, BioFoam, is a protein hydr! ogel biom! aterial with an expansion agent, which generates a mixed-cell foam. The foam creates a mechanical barrier to decrease blood flow and develops pores for the blood to enter, leading to cellular aggregation and enhanced hemostasis. CryoLife distributes BioFoam under CE Mark certification.

CryoLife�� product, PerClot, is an absorbable, powdered hemostatic agent used in surgery. PerClot particles have a molecular structure that absorbs water from blood, creating a high concentration of platelets, red blood cells, and coagulation proteins at the bleeding site, which accelerates the physiologic clotting cascade. PerClot is readily dissolved by saline irrigation and is totally absorbed within several days. PerClot is available in one gram, three gram and five gram sizes with a 100 millimeter or 200 millimeter applicator tip. PerClot Laparoscopic is available in one gram and three gram sizes with a 380 millimeter applicator tip.

The Company competes with St. Jude Medical, Inc., Medtronic, Inc., Edwards Life Sciences, Inc., Neovasc, Inc., LifeNet Health, Inc. W.L. Gore & Associates��Propaten, C.R. Bard, Inc., Hancock Jaffe Laboratories, Inc., Maquet, Inc., CorMatrix Cardiovascular, Inc., Baxter International, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Company, Covidien Ltd, NeoMend, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Orthovita, Inc., King Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ethicon, Inc., ZymoGenetics, Inc. and Nycomed.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Volkman]

    CryoLife (NYSE: CRY  ) is putting some zip into its shares with a dividend boost. The company has declared a fresh quarterly distribution of $0.0275 per share, to be paid on June 21 to shareholders of record as of June 14. This marks the company's first-ever dividend increase -- the new amount is 10% higher than its three prior (and only) payouts, each of which totaled $0.025.

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014: Horizon Pharma Inc (HZNP)

Horizon Pharma, Inc. (Horizon), incorporated on March 23, 2010, is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes medicines to target unmet therapeutic needs in arthritis, pain and inflammatory diseases. On April 23, 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration, approved DUEXIS (formerly HZT-501), a tablet formulation containing a fixed-dose combination of ibuprofen and famotidine in a single pill. The Company�� other product, LODOTRA (NP-01), is a programmed release formulation of low-dose prednisone that is marketed in Europe by the Company�� distribution partner, Mundipharma International Corporation Limited (Mundipharma). As of December 31, 2010, Horizon completed multiple Phase III clinical trials of LODOTRA. In addition to these product candidates, the Company has a pipeline of earlier-stage product candidates to treat pain-related diseases and chronic inflammation. On April 1, 2010, Horizon effected a recapitalization and acquisition pursuant to which Horizon Pharma, Inc. became a holding company, that operates through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Horizon Pharma USA, Inc. (formerly Horizon Therapeutics, Inc.) and Horizon Pharma AG (formerly Nitec Pharma AG (Nitec)).

DUEXIS

DUEXIS is a combination of 800 milligram ibuprofen and 26.6 milligram famotidine in a single pill and is indicated for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA), and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal (GI), ulcers in patients who are taking ibuprofen for those indications. The Company has completed two Phase III clinical trials in a total of over 1,500 patients with mild to moderate pain or arthritis that demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)-induced upper GI ulcers when treated with DUEXIS versus ibuprofen alone.

LODOTRA

LODOTRA is a programmed release formulation of low-dose prednisone, a well-established drug use! d to inhibit the production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins associated with joint inflammation in RA. LODOTRA has received regulatory approval in Europe for the treatment of moderate to severe, active RA in adults when accompanied by morning stiffness. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had completed two pivotal Phase III clinical trials of LODOTRA in a total of over 600 patients with RA. The first pivotal Phase III trial supported the approval of LODOTRA in Europe in March 2009, where it is approved for marketing in 14 European countries. LODOTRA achieved significant results and met the primary endpoint in each of the two pivotal Phase III clinical trials. Its LODOTRA product was developed and is owned by Horizon Pharma AG. As of December 31, 2010, the Company markets LODOTRA in Europe through three separate agreements. Pursuant to two separate agreements, it granted Merck Serono GmbH and Merck GesmbH, an affiliate of Merck Serono, the rights to distribute and market LODOTRA in each of Germany and Austria, respectively, and pursuant to the third agreement, it granted Mundipharma rights to distribute and market LODOTRA in the rest of Europe. The Company also has a manufacturing and supply agreement with Jagotec AG under which Jagotec or its affiliates manufacture and supply LODOTRA to the Company as bulk tablets.

The Company competes with Pfizer Inc., Pozen Inc., Abbott Laboratories and Amgen Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Horizon Pharma (NASDAQ: HZNP) shares gained 24.15% to $18.23 after the company announced its plans to acquire privately held Vidara Therapeutics International for around $660 million.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Top losers in the sector included Horizon Pharma (NASDAQ: HZNP), off 9.5 percent, and Anacor Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ANAC), down 8.2 percent.

    Top Headline
    The Greenbrier Companies (NYSE: GBX) reported a 13% gain in its fiscal second-quarter earnings. Greenbrier's quarterly profit surged to $15.6 million, or $0.50 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $13.8 million, or $0.45 per share. Excluding one-time items, it earned $0.51 per share. Its revenue climbed 88% to $502.2 million. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.60 per share on revenue of $508.69 million.

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014: InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp (NVIV)

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp., formerly Design Source, Inc., incorporated on April 2, 2003, is a development-stage company. The Company is developing and commercializing technologies for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The Company develops biopolymer scaffolding devices for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The biopolymer devices are designed to protect the damaged spinal cord from further secondary injury and promote neuroplasticity, a process where functional recovery can occur through the rerouting of signalling pathways to the spared healthy tissue.

The Company�� biopolymer-based devices are surgically implanted or injected into the lesion created during traumatic injury, or the primary injury. Additional applications of its platform technologies include the treatment for, spinal cord injury following tumor removal, peripheral nerve damage, and postsurgical treatment of any transected nerve. Its biocompatible scaffolding device for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury, is regulated as a Class III medical device by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Company's biocompatible hydrogel is used for the local release of methylprednisolone to treat acute spinal cord injuries and the biocompatible polymer scaffolding device seeded with autologous human neural stem cells.

The Company�� porous biopolymer scaffold consists of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and-polylysine. PLGA is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, which is used for applications, such as surgical sutures (Dolphin sutures and Ethicon sutures), drug delivery (Lupron Depot and Sandostatin LAR Depot), and tissue engineering (Dermagraft). The PLGA-polylysine biopolymer scaffolding device is biocompatible and biodegradable and degrades naturally inside the body without requiring subsequent removal.

The Company focuses to develop an injectable hydrogel designed to counteract the inflammatory environment that results during a secondary injury from a closed-wound spi! nal cord injury where further cell death occurs. It focuses to counteract the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury by replacing lost cells of the spinal cord and activating endogenous regenerative processes, such as the formation of new synapses and axonal sprouting based on molecules the stem cells produce.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    I came close to pointing this out yesterday, but didn't pull the trigger. Though delaying didn't cost you or me more than a few cents, I don't want to tarry any longer... Invivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (OTCBB:NVIV) is a buy.

10 Best Medical Stocks To Watch For 2014: Elite Pharmaceuticals Inc (ELTP)

Elite Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Elite), incorporated on October 1, 1997, is a specialty pharmaceutical company principally engaged in the development and manufactures of oral, controlled-release products, using technology and the development and manufacture of generic pharmaceuticals. Elite has four products: Phentermine 37.5 milligram tablets, Methadone 10 milligram tablets, Lodrane D Immediate Release capsules and Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 8 milligram tablets. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 (Fiscal 2011), the Company manufactured and sold Lodrane 24 and Lodrane 24D (the Lodrane Extended Release Products).

The Company has a pipeline of additional generic drug candidates under active development, including, without limitation, ELI-154, a once-a-day oxycodone product and ELI-216, an abuse resistant oxycodone product which utilizes the Company�� propriety formulation for abuse resistant products utilizing the pharmacological approach (Elite�� Abuse Resistant Technology). ECR Pharmaceuticals (ECR), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hi-Tech Pharmacal, Inc. and the owner and marketer of the Lodrane Extended Release Products. Elite also purchased from Mikah Pharma LLC, an approved Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Naltrexone 50 milligram tablets.

For ELI-154, Elite has developed a once-daily oxycodone formulation using its technology. An investigational new drug application (IND) has been filed and Elite has completed two pharmacokinetic studies in healthy subjects that compared blood levels of oxycodone from dosing ELI-154 and the twice-a-day product that is on the market, OxyContin marketed in the United States by Purdue Pharma LP. ELI-216 utilizes the Company's abuse-deterrent technology that is based on a pharmacological approach. ELI-216 is a combination of a narcotic agonist, oxycodone hydrochloride, in a sustained-release formulation intended for use in patients with moderate to severe chronic pain, and an antagonist, naltrexone hydrochloride, formulat! ed to deter abuse of the drug. Products utilizing the pharmacological approach to deter abuse such as Suboxone, a product marketed in the United States by Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Embeda, a product marketed in the United States by Pfizer, have been approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). ELI-216 demonstrates a euphoria-blocking effect when the product is crushed. Elite has developed ELI-154 and ELI-216 and retains the rights to these products.

The Company competes with Collegium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Purdue Pharma LP, Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Durect Corporation, Mylan Laboratories, Inc., Par Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alkermes, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Aptalis Pharma, Impax Laboratories, Inc., and Watson Pharmaceuticals.

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

    Exactly one month ago today I penned some bullish thoughts on Elite Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCBB:ELTP). If you're familiar with the company - or a regular reader of this site - then you may know why that sounds a little "off." See, at the time, ELTP shares were falling rather quickly, giving up all the gains they had made just a few days before. Almost needless to say, my premise was not a well received one. Let's just say I received some "colorful disagreements" by being optimistic about the biopharma company.

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    Judging from the company it's keeping Green Automotive Co. (OTCMKTS:GACR) may have just made its way into the upper echelon of small cap stock opportunities. The electric car company joins Elite Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCBB:ELTP), Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:AMBS), and only three other companies as Wall-Street.com's "Best 6 Stocks" for January of 2014. As one of the top information resources for investors - particularly in terms of information regarding small and micro cap stocks - being named among the site's top pick is an accolade for AMBS, ELTP, and GACR. Even more impressive is that Green Automotive Co. was the only consumer-goods name among those six. Amarantus Bioscience Holdings and Elite Pharmaceuticals are biotechnology names... an industry that can and often does attract a lot of attention just by the nature of the business. The other three names making the "Best 6" list were an energy explorer, a power-management technology manufacturer, and prescription/medical food producer. For an electric car manufacturer to make the list speaks quite highly of GACR.