Saturday, May 31, 2014

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now

With shares of Boeing (NYSE:BA) trading around $128, is BA an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE, or STAY AWAY? Let�� analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

T = Trends for a Stock’s Movement

Boeing is an aerospace company. It focuses primarily on engineering, information technology, research and development, test and evaluation, technology strategy development, environmental remediation management, and intellectual property management. The company operates in five segments: Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Military Aircraft, Network & Space Systems, Global Services & Support, and Boeing Capital Corp.

Boeing said on Thursday it will end the traditional pension plans for about 68,000 nonunion employees in 2016 and transition them to a company-funded defined contribution retirement savings plan.�Boeing�employees, including managers and executives, who participate in the main Boeing and subsidiary defined benefit pension plans are affected by the change.�Starting January 1, 2016, the Chicago-based company will make cash contributions each pay period through a new component of the 401(k) plan. When they retire, employees will receive all benefits earned in the current traditional pension plan prior to the transition, and Boeing said it will continue to match employee savings in an existing 401(k) plan.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: Arbor Realty Trust Inc (ABR)

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., incorporated in June 2003, is a specialized real estate finance company. The Company invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multi-family and commercial real estate markets. It invests primarily in real estate-related bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, preferred and direct equity, and in limited cases, discounted mortgage notes and other real estate-related assets (collectively, structured finance investments). The Company also holds investments in mortgage-related securities and real estate property. It conducts all of its operations and investing activities through its operating partnership, Arbor Realty Limited Partnership, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company serves as the general partner of its operating partnership, and owned a 100% partnership interest in its operating partnership as of December 31, 2011.

Targeted Investments

The Company offers bridge financing products to borrowers who are seeking short-term capital to be used in an acquisition of property. The bridge loans it makes range in size from $1 million to $75 million and are predominantly secured by first mortgage liens on the property. The Company offers junior participation financing in the form of junior participating interest in the senior debt. Junior participation financings have the same obligations, collateral and borrower as the senior debt. Its junior participation loans range in size from $1 million to $60 million and have terms of up to 10 years. The Company offers mezzanine financing in the form of loans that are subordinate to a conventional first mortgage loan and senior to the borrower�� equity in a transaction. The Company holds a majority of its mezzanine loans through subsidiaries of its operating partnership that are pass-through entities for tax purposes or taxable subsidiary corporations. The Company provides financing by making preferred equity investments in entit! ies that directly or indirectly own real property. Its preferred equity investments typically range in size from $1 million to $75 million, and have terms up to 10 years.

Structured Finance Investments

The Company owns a diversified portfolio of structured finance investments consisting primarily of real estate-related bridge, junior participation interests in first mortgages, and mezzanine loans, as well as preferred equity investments and mortgage-related securities. As of December 31, 2011, it had 119 loans and investments in its portfolio, totaling $1.5 billion. These loans and investments were for 72 multi-family properties, 25 office properties, nine land properties, seven hotel properties, three retail properties, two condominium properties and one commercial property.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lee Jackson]

    Arbor Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE: ABR) recently increased its cash position with a secondary offering of 6 million shares of stock. The company invests in multifamily and commercial real estate-related bridge loans, junior participating interests in first mortgages, mezzanine loans, preferred and direct equity, discounted mortgage notes and other real estate-related assets, as well as holds investments in mortgage-related securities and real estate property. Arbor Realty Trust is rated as a stock to buy at Deutsche Bank with a $9.50 price target. The Thomson/First Call estimate for the stock is $9.25. Investors are paid a very solid 7.2% divided. The stock closed Friday at $6.88.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: Leucadia National Corporation(LUK)

Leucadia National Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in manufacturing, land based contract oil and gas drilling, gaming entertainment, real estate, medical product development, and winery operations in the United States and internationally. Its manufacturing operations include remanufacturing, manufacturing, and/or distribution dimension lumber, home center boards for retailers, pine decking, and other specialty wood products; and manufacturing and marketing lightweight plastic netting used in building and construction, erosion control, packaging, agricultural, carpet padding, filtration, and consumer products. The company?s land based contract oil and gas drilling operations include the provision of drilling services to independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the Mid-Continent region of the United States, including Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kansas. As of December 31, 2010, it had 38 drilling rigs. The company?s g aming entertainment operations consist of owning the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi located in Biloxi, Mississippi, which consists of 325 rooms and suites, 1,268 slot machines, 52 table games, 6 live poker tables, 5 restaurants, and spa. Its real estate activities include investment in commercial properties, residential land development projects, and other unimproved land. The company?s medical product development operations comprise the development of MP4OX that has completed a phase II proof of concept clinical trial and is a solution of cell-free hemoglobin, administered intravenously to provide oxygen delivery to oxygen deprived tissues. In addition, Leucadia National Corporation engages in the production and sale of wines; and investment and evaluation of gasification projects to convert various types of low grade fossil fuels into energy products. The company was founded in 1854 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Monica Wolfe]

    Leucadia National Corporation (LUK)

    Berkowitz�� fifth largest position goes to Leucadia National Corporation where the guru holds 6.4% of his total portfolio. Berkowitz owns 18,664,999 shares of Leucadia, representing 7.63% of the company�� shares outstanding.

Top 5 Bank Stocks To Own For 2015: K&S AG (KPLUY)

K&S AG is a Germany-based holding company which is active in the chemical sector. The Company divides its activities into four main business segments. The Potash and Magnesium Products segment is engaged in the crude potash and magnesium salts extraction and in processing raw materials into products for industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. The Nitrogen Fertilizers business segment distributes fertilizers for almost all agricultural crops, and products for home and garden, plant care and plant protection, specialty fertilizers for public green areas, tree nurseries, horticulture and various special crops are offered. The Salt segment offers food grade salt, industrial salt and salt for chemical use, as well as de-icing salt applied to ensure road safety. The Complementary Business segments include recycling activities and the disposal and reutilization of waste salt mines, granulation of CATASAN, logistics, and trading in different basic chemicals. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Duprey]

    Yet, Europe's leading potash player K+S (NASDAQOTH: KPLUY  ) just said that, because of the upheaval that's occurred in the market, it was slashing its dividend by 82% for 2013,�reducing the payout ratio to just 11% of adjusted after tax�earnings, a far cry from the miner's usual�ratio of between 40% and 50%. Could this signal a new era of austerity that will ultimately see Potash,�Agrium (NYSE: AGU  ) , and Mosaic (NYSE: MOS  ) �end up whacking their payouts, as well?

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: TriQuint Semiconductor Inc.(TQNT)

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. provides radio frequency (RF) solutions and technology for communications, defense, and aerospace companies worldwide. The company designs, develops, and manufactures RF solutions with gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium nitride, bipolar high electron mobility transistor, surface acoustic wave (SAW), temperature compensated surface acoustic wave, bulk acoustic wave (BAW), copper flip, and wafer level packaging technologies. The company offers an array of filtering, switching, and amplification products for RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave applications. It sells electronic components for mobile phones, including transmit modules, RF filters, power amplifiers and power amplifier modules, duplexers, switches, other RF devices, and integrated products to mobile device manufacturers. The company also offers signal amplification and filtering products, including a portfolio of GaAs microwave monolithic integrated circuits and transistors, and SAW and BAW filter components that support the transfer of voice, data, and video across wireless or wired infrastructure. Its network products comprise millimeter wave power amplifiers, frequency converters, and voltage controlled oscillators. In addition, the company provides defense and aerospace devices, including packaged products, die-level integrated circuits (ICs), microwave monolithic ICs, and multi-chip modules to military contractors serving the U.S. government for use in various communications and phased array radar programs, such as ship-based, airborne, and battlefield systems, as well as sat-com, electronic warfare, and guidance applications. Further, TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. offers foundry services. The company sells its products through independent manufacturers? representatives, independent distributors, and direct sales staff. TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By MONEYMORNING]

    RF Micro shares jumped 21% yesterday after the Greensboro, N.C.-based company agreed to buy rival TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. (Nasdaq: TQNT) for $1.59 billion, a so-called "merger of equals" that should return the company to profitability.

  • [By Volcano Steve]

    Other companies such as TriQuint (TQNT) and Broadcom (BRCM) are reporting results with "strong mobile demand" and "higher-than-anticipated sales of cellular system-on-chip (SOC) and touch controllers." More famously, Apple (AAPL) has announced record sales for its ARM-inside iPhone 5S model introduced last month. Investors and analysts already knew that ARM reports royalty revenue a quarter in arrears, so any gains from iPhone 5S sales will not start to be seen until ARM´s next quarterly report and were not expected to be a factor in this report.

  • [By Selena Maranjian]

    Among holdings in which Graham Capital Management increased its stake was TriQuint Semiconductor (NASDAQ: TQNT  ) . The stock recently received an upgrade to "buy" from analysts at Charter Equity, but my colleague Rich Smith thinks the stock is still overvalued. Anyone thinking the stock is on the rich side won't be happy about the company's stock-buyback plans. Its last earnings report was disappointing, but management sees better days ahead due to the introduction of many new products, along with a growing market.

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    TriQuint Semiconductor (NASDAQ: TQNT  ) is aiming to boost the value of its shares with a fresh repurchase scheme. The firm announced it has authorized the buyback of up to $75 million worth of its common stock. This will be bought "from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices or through privately negotiated transactions at the discretion of Company management."

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: Louisiana-Pacific Corp (LPX)

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, incorporated on July 20, 1972, is a manufacturer of building products. The Company operates in four segments: North America Oriented Strand Board (OSB); Siding; Engineered Wood Products (EWP), and South America. As of December 31, 2012, the Company owned 21 modern located facilities in the United States and Canada, two facilities in Chile and one facility in Brazil. The Company also operates three facilities through joint ventures, for which it is the provider of product distribution for North America and participate in a joint venture operation that produces cellulose insulation in multiple facilities. The Company�� products are used primarily in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and manufactured housing. In May 2013, Canfor Corp announced that it has completed the sale of its 50% interest in the Peace Valley Oriented Strand Board (OSB) joint venture in Fort St. John, B.C., to Louisiana-Pacific Corp (LP).

OSB

The Company�� OSB segment manufactures and distributes OSB structural panel products. OSB is a smart product made from wood strands arranged in layers and bonded with resin. OSB serves many of the same uses as plywood, including roof decking, sidewall sheathing and floor underlayment. During the year ended December 31, 2012, OSB accounted for approximately 58% of the structural panel consumption in North America.

Siding

The Company�� siding offerings are of two categories: SmartSide siding products and related accessories; and CanExel siding and accessory products. Its SmartSide products consist of a line of wood-based sidings, trim, soffit and fascia. Its CanExel siding and accessory product offerings include a number of pre-finished lap and trim products in a variety of patterns and textures. Additionally, minor amounts of commodity OSB are produced and sold in this segment.

Engineered Wood Products

The Company�� Engineered Wood Products (EWP) segment manufactures! and distributes laminated veneer lumber (LVL), I-Joists, laminated strand lumber (LSL) and other related products. This segment also includes the sale of I-Joist produced by its joint venture with Resolute Forest Products (formerly AbitibiBowater) and LVL sold under a contract manufacturing arrangement.

South America

The Company�� South American segment manufactures and distributes OSB and siding products in South America and certain export markets. This segment also distributes and sells related products to augment the transition to wood frame construction.

Other Products

The Company�� other products category includes its decorative moulding and its joint venture that produces cellulose insulation. Additionally, it other products category includes its remaining timber and timberlands, and other minor products, services and closed operations.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    In Weyerhaeuser's report, watch for the company to discuss any plans for potential buyout activity. With tight supplies, smaller rivals Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE: LPX  ) or Potlatch (NASDAQ: PCH  ) might make good targets for the larger Weyerhaeuser or Plum Creek to look at for expansion. Even though those companies have seen their shares rise dramatically as well, it might be worth paying up in order to secure long-term assets that could produce strong growth for Weyerhaeuser.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: American Homes 4 Rent (AMH)

American Homes 4 Rent, incorporated on October 19, 2012, is an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company is focused on acquiring, renovating, leasing and operating single-family homes as rental properties.

As of September 30, 2013, the Company owned 21,267 properties in desirable markets in 22 states including Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio ; Raleigh, North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston, Texas , Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee ; Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas , and Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to single-family properties, the Company also focuses to invest in condominium units, townhouses and real estate-related debt investments.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Mark Holder]

    After an initial bump in Silver Bay, the stock has had a horrible 2013, now trading close to all-time lows. Recently, a couple of other IPOs in the sector have come to market with weak receptions. Both American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH  ) and American Residential Properties (NYSE: ARPI  ) offer different twists to the general thesis of investing in single-family rental properties to take advantage of the weakness in housing prices and the increased demand for rentals.

  • [By Matt Koppenheffer and David Hanson]

    In this segment of The Motley Fool's financials-focused show, Where the Money Is, analysts Matt Koppenheffer and David Hanson discuss some of their favorite tweets of the day. Among the companies covered are Silver Bay (NYSE: SBY  ) , American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH  ) , and Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT  ) .

  • [By Will Ashworth]

    PSA fills a need that�� not likely to disappear. In the latest fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2013, PSA generated core funds from operations of $7.44 — 11.4% higher than in 2012. Same-store rental income increased 5.4% year-over-year due to higher rents and higher occupancies. It�� a winning combination that over time has proved successful. Although it�� only yielding 3.3% at the moment, it�� a very stable stock, having seen a negative return just once in the past decade. I like its odds.

    Pure-Play REITs: American Homes 4 Rent (AMH)

    This is the brand child of Public Storage founder Wayne Hughes, who started the company in 2011 to take advantage of falling prices in the single-family home market. Private equity firms such as�Blackstone Group (BX), Hughes and others have been actively buying up houses on the cheap with plans to rent them out until prices rise to the point where they��e no longer worth holding on to. As a result of this intense competition, prices have risen faster than anticipated — slowing the number of home purchases made by institutional investors.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: A-Cap Resources Ltd (ACB)

A-Cap Resources Limited is an Australia-based mineral exploration company. The Company�� principal activity during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), is exploration of its tenement portfolio in Botswana and the ongoing feasibility studies into the Letlhakane Uranium Project. The Company focuses on investment in Botswana in Southern Africa, where it holds over 5000 square kilometer of exploration licenses. The Company�� projects include Botswana project, Letlhakane project, Mea-Coal project, Bolau-Coal project and Southern Pans project. The Company�� 100% owned Letlhakane Uranium Project is located in northeast Botswana. In July 2012, A-Cap announced the discovery of two new coal projects in Botswana, transforming the Company into a multi-commodity exploration outfit. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Heinzl]

    You'll notice that these numbers don't add up to $1.4988. That's because the 2012 distribution also contained a hefty chunk of return of capital (70.489 cents). ROC isn't taxable immediately; rather, it is subtracted from the adjusted cost base (ACB) of the units, which gives rise to a larger capital gain, or smaller capital loss, when the units are ultimately sold. Many REITs and mutual funds also distribute ROC. ROC can be a bit of a headache for investors. If you hold BIP in a non-registered account, you (or your accountant), will need to track those ROC payments in order to keep your ACB up to date. Knowing the ACB is necessary to calculate your capital gain, or loss, when it comes time to sell.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: Jacksonville Bancorp Inc. (JXSB)

Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Jacksonville Savings Bank that provides various banking products and services in Illinois. Its deposit products include interest-bearing and non interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, term certificate accounts, individual retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit. The company?s loan portfolio comprises one-to four-family mortgage loans; commercial and agricultural real estate, and multi-family residential real estate loans; commercial and agricultural business loans; and consumer loans, such as home equity loans and lines of credit, and automobile loans. It operates through its main office, as well as through six branches located in Jacksonville, Virden, Litchfield, Chapin, and Concord, Illinois. The company was founded in 1916 and is based in Jacksonville, Illinois. Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc. is a subsidiary of Jacksonville Bancorp, MHC.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Traders Reserve]

    Jacksonville Bancorp (JXSB), based in Illinois, owns a loan portfolio comprised of one-to four-family residential real estate; commercial and agricultural real estate; multi-family residential real estate loans; commercial and agricultural business loans; home equity loans and lines of credit.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp (VAC)

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, incorporated on June 21, 2011, is a developer, marketer, seller and manager of vacations ownership and related products under the Marriott Vacation Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. The Company is also the global developer, marketer and seller of vacations ownership and related products under the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club brand, and the Company has the non-exclusive right to develop, market and sell whole ownership residential products under the Ritz-Carlton Residences brands. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. (Ritz-Carlton), a subsidiary of Marriott International, generally provides on-site management for Ritz-Carlton branded properties.

As of December 28, 2012, the Company had 64 vacation ownership resorts in the United States and nine other countries and territories and approximately 421,000 owners of its vacation ownership and residential products. The Company offers the majority of its products through two points-based ownership programs: Marriott Vacation Club Destinations(MVCD) and Marriott Vacation Club, Asia Pacific.

The Company designs , build, manage and maintains its properties at upscale and luxury levels in accordance with the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brand standards that the Company must comply with under the License Agreements. The Company offers its products under four brands: Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Ritz-Carlton Residences.

The Marriott Vacation Club brand is the Company's signature offering in the upscale tier of the vacation ownership industry. Marriott Vacation Club resorts typically combine many of the comforts of home, such as spacious accommodations with one, two and three bedroom options, living and dining areas, in-unit kitchens and laundry facilities, with resort amenities such as feature swimming pools, restaurants and bars, convenience stores, fitness facilities and spas, as well as sports and recreation facilities appro! priate for each resort's location.

Grand Residences by Marriott is an upscale tier vacation ownership and whole ownership residence brand. The accommodations for this brand are similar to those the Company offers under the Marriott Vacation Club brand. The time period for each Grand Residences by Marriott vacation ownership interest ranges between three and thirteen weeks. The Company also offers whole ownership residential products under this brand.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is a luxury tier vacation ownership brand. The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club provides luxurious vacation experiences commensurate with the legacy of the Ritz-Carlton brand. Ritz-Carlton Destination Club resorts typically feature two, three and four bedroom units that generally include marble foyers, walk-in closets and custom kitchen cabinetry, and luxury resort amenities, such as feature pools and access to full service restaurants and bars. The on-site services, which usually include daily maid service, valet, in-residence dining, and access to fitness facilities as well as spa and sports facilities as appropriate for each destination, are delivered by Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is a luxury tier whole ownership residence brand. The Ritz-Carlton Residences include whole ownership luxury residential condominiums and home sites for luxury home construction co-located with Ritz-Carlton Destination Club resorts. Owners can typically purchase condominiums that vary in size from one-bedroom apartments to spacious penthouses. Ritz-Carlton Residences owners can avail themselves of the services and facilities that are associated with the co-located Ritz-Carlton Destination Club resort on an a la carte basis. On-site services are delivered by Ritz-Carlton.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Michael Lewis]

    It may be surprising�to�hear that hospitality and tourism are the fastest-growing industries in the world. One of the biggest names in the industry, unsurprisingly, is Marriott, which represents a variety of names in hotels, motels, and resorts around the world. As a spin-off from Marriott In late 2011,�Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC  ) �is a business that specializes in vacation ownership, otherwise known as timeshares. While thoughts of the quintessential timeshare salesman may bring a sting to your gut, this business offers investors bright prospects on the back of a booming industry. Here's what you need to know about Marriott Vacations.

  • [By Lawrence Meyers]

    So, which timeshare stocks are the ones to buy? Read on.

    Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC)

    Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC) is a great starting point for timeshare stocks. It holds 62 properties made up of 12,829 villas, held by 420,000 customers across the U.S. and nine other countries.

  • [By GuruFocus]

    Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp (VAC): President and CEO Stephen P. Weisz Bought 8,000 Shares

    President and CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp (VAC) Stephen P. Weisz bought 8,000 shares during the past week at an average price of $43.60. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a Delaware Corporation. Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp has a market cap of $1.54 billion; its shares were traded at around $43.60 with a P/E ratio of 30.67 and P/S ratio of 0.94.

Top 10 Information Technology Companies To Invest In Right Now: FX Energy Inc (FXEN)

FX Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with production, appraisal, and exploration activities in Poland. The Company operates within two segments of the oil and gas industry: the exploration and production (E&P) segment in Poland and the United States, and the oilfield services segment in the United States. The Company also has oil production, oilfield service activities, and a shale acreage position in the United States. During the year ended December 31, 2011, its oil and gas production was 4.4 billion cubic feet of natural gas (12.0 million cubic feet equivalent per day). The Company concentrates its exploration operations in Poland primarily on the Rotliegend sandstones of the Permian Basin. The Company has identified a core area consisting of approximately 852,000 gross acres surrounding PGNiG�� producing Radlin field.

Activities and Presence in Poland

The Company conducts its activities in Poland in project areas, including Fences, Blocks 287, 246, and 229 near the Fences concession, Warsaw South, Kutno, Northwest, and Edge. In the Fences during 2011, it completed the Lisewo-1 well as a commercial well and drilled the Plawce-2 well in a tight sand area. In its other concessions it drilled the Machnatka-2 well, a noncommercial Zechstein/Carboniferous test, in the Warsaw South concession, and started drilling the Kutno-2 well, a deep Rotliegend test, in the Kutno concession. The Fences concession area encompasses 852,000 gross acres (3,450 square kilometers) in western Poland�� Permian Basin. The Fences concession area encompasses 852,000 gross acres (3,450 square kilometers) in western Poland�� Permian Basin. The Company has drilled 11 conventional wells targeting Rotliegend structures through the date of this filing. Eight of these wells are commercial. The Company is produce from four of these eight wells.

The Block 287 concession area is 12,000 acres (50 square kilometers) located approximately 25 miles so! uth of the Fences concession area. The Company owns 100% of the exploration rights. As of December 31, 2011, it has reentered only the Grabowka-12 well. During 2011, it produced at an average daily rate of approximately 0.2 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. The Company has a 100% interest in a concession south of its Fences project area covering approximately 241,000 acres (975 square kilometers). The Company hold a 51% interest in a total of 874,000 acres (3,538 square kilometers.) in east-central Poland. During 2011, it entered into a farmout agreement with PGNiG under which it earned a 49% interest in the entire Warsaw South concession in return for paying certain seismic and drilling costs. It subsequently drilled the Machnatka-2 well to test Zechstein and Carboniferous potential in the western part of the concession area.

The Company holds a 100% interest in 706,000 acres (2,856 square kilometers). The area encompasses a Rotliegend structure (Kutno) with projected four-way dip closure. It started drilling the Kutno-2 well during 2011. It hold concessions on 828,000 acres (3,351 square kilometers) in west-central Poland, in Poland�� Permian Basin directly north of PGNiG�� BMB and MLG oil and gas fields. The Company has a 100% interest in four concessions in north-central Poland covering approximately 881,000 acres (3,567 square kilometers). As of December 31, 2011, it held oil and gas exploration rights in Poland in separately designated project areas encompassing approximately 4.6 million gross acres. The Company is the operator in all areas, except its 852,000 gross-acre core Fences project area, in which it hold a 49% interest in approximately 807,000 acres and a 24.5% interest in the remaining 45,000 acres.

U.S. Activities and Presence

The operations consist of shallow, oil-producing wells in the Southwest Cut Bank Sand Unit (SWCBSU), of Montana. Its oil wells produce approximately 155 barrels of oil per day, net to its interest. From its fie! ld office! in Montana, the Company also provides oilfield services. The Company produces oil from approximately 10,732 gross (10,418 net) acres in Montana and 400 gross (128 net) acres in Nevada. In 2011, the Company entered into a joint venture with two other companies, American Eagle Energy, Inc., and Big Sky Operating LLC, in which it pooled our approximately 10,000 net acres in our SWCBSU with their approximately 65,000 net acres, the Americana leases, along with a farmout agreement that provides the group with an ability to earn an interest in an additional 7,000 acres covered by the Somont leases. During 2011, it drilled three vertical wells on joint venture acreage to obtain log and core data. The Company also drilled a 3,600-foot lateral from one of these three wells, the Anderson 14-29, and carried out a multistage fracture. The Company is testing oil potential in the Anderson 14-29 well. The Company has a one-third working interest in all formations below the Cut Bank in its SWCBSU.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Another energy player that's starting to trend within range of triggering a major breakout trade is FX Energy (FXEN), which is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with principal production, reserves and exploration in Poland and oil production, oilfield service and exploration activities in the U.S. This stock is off to a slow start in 2013, with shares off by 14%.

    If you take a look at the chart for FX Energy, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways inside of a consolidation chart pattern for the last two months and change, with shares moving between $2.93 on the downside and $3.98 on the upside. Shares of FXEN are now starting to bounce higher off its 50-day moving average of $3.36 share, and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a major breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent range.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in FXEN if it manages to break out above some key near-term overhead resistance levels at $3.62 to $3.71 a share and then above more resistance at $3.98 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 377,632 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then FXEN will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to $4.76 a share. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give FXEN a chance to tag or trend above $5 a share.

    Traders can look to buy FXEN off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $3.15 or $2.93 a share. One could also buy FXEN off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    I hate to be the one to say I told you so, but, I told you so. Within the past week I suggested both FX Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FXEN) and MeetMe Inc. (NYSEMKT:MEET) were on the verge of breakouts, and sure enough, both are making good on that promise today; FXEN is up 5%, and MEET shares are higher by nearly 13%. Granted, the market's bullish tide is helping... a little. But, with both of these stocks outpacing the market's gain today, odds are that we would have seen these breakout moves anyway.

  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    An under-$10 energy player that's trending very close to triggering a major breakout trade is FX Energy (FXEN), which is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with principal production, reserves and exploration in Poland and oil production, oilfield service and exploration activities in the U.S. This stock has been under selling pressure so far in 2013, with shares off by 12.6%.

    If you take a look at the chart for FX Energy, you'll notice that this stock recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $2.82 to $2.93 a share. Following that bottom, shares of FXEN are now starting to uptrend and push back above its 50-day moving average of $3.41 a share. That move is quickly pushing shares of FXEN within range of triggering a major breakout trade above a key downtrend line that started back in late May.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in FXEN if it manages to break out above its 200-day moving average at $3.75 a share and then once it takes out more near-term overhead resistance at $3.98 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 478,408 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then FXEN will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to $4.76 a share. Any high-volume move above those levels will then put its May high at $6.18 into range for shares of FXEN.

    Traders can look to buy FXEN off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $3.11 to $2.93 a share. One can also buy FXEN off strength once it clears those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Top 10 Regional Bank Companies To Invest In 2015

Top 10 Regional Bank Companies To Invest In 2015: TCW Strategic Income Fund Inc (TSI)

TCW Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund), formerly TCW Convertible Securities Fund, Inc., incorporated on January 13, 1987, is a diversified closed-end investment management company. The Fund's investment objective is to seek a total return consisting of current income and capital appreciation by investing in convertible securities, marketable equity securities, investment-grade debt securities, high-yield debt securities, options, and securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities (U.S. Government Securities). The Fund also invests in repurchase agreements, mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, money market securities and other securities.

The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Government Securities. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financial services, aerospace and defense, airlines, automobiles, banking, commercial services, electric utilities, insurance, media, utilities, biotechnology and chemicals. The Funds investment advisor is TCW Investment Management Company.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dividends4Life]

    According to a Gabelli Funds report, managed distribution policies offer several advantages, including:1. Lower difference between the funds market price and its NAV per share.2. Provides support during periods when the stock market is in a decline.3. Provides a measurable performance target for the investment adviser.Below are several high-yield funds from CEFA that have a managed distribution policy (yields as of December 16):Aberdeen Australia Eqty (IAF)- Distribution Yield: 10.4%- Income Yield: 346%Bexil Advisers LLC (DNI)- Distribution Yield: 11.1%- Income Yield: 3.56%BlackRock En Capital&Inc (CII)- Distribution Yield: 8.78%- Income Yield: 2.34%Cornerstone Strat Value (CLM)- Distribution Yield: 18.77%- Income Yield: 1.83%Cornerstone Total Return (CRF)- D! istribution Yield: 19.10%- Income Yield: 0.85%Delaware Inv Div & Inc (DDF)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 5.26%Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB)- Distribution Yield: 7.58%- Income Yield: 1.54%Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT)- Distribution Yield: 9.45%- Income Yield: 2.84%MFS Special Value Trust (MFV)- Distribution Yield: 9.60%- Income Yield: 5.73%Nuveen Tx-Adv TR Strat (JTA)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 3.12%TCW Strategic Income (TSI)- Distribution Yield: 10.54%- Income Yield: 7.88%Zweig Total Return (ZTR)- Distribution Yield: 7.27%- Income Yield: 1.95%As noted in the Gabelli report, a managed distribution policy may create confusion regarding the true current yield since the reported yield includes the return of capital portion. You can see the disparity above between the income yield and the distribution (reported) yield.If you are looking for a sustainable and growing dividend, you may want to consider some blue-chip dividend stocks such as these with a Free Cash Flow Payout less than 50%, 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases and a 2%+ yield:3M Co. (MMM) is a diversified global company provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-10-regional-bank-companies-to-invest-in-2015.html

Friday, May 30, 2014

Top 10 Prefered Stocks For 2015

Top 10 Prefered Stocks For 2015: Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA (FCC)

Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA (FCC) is a Spain-based company, which is primarily engaged, together with its subsidiaries in the construction and environmental services sector. The Companys activities include the collection, treatment and elimination of solid urban waste, street cleaning, sewer system maintenance, green areas and buildings maintenance, urban transport, treatment and elimination of industrial waste, full-service water supply management and cement manufacture. The Company is also active in the real estate development, as well as in the renewable energy industry. In addition, the Company is a parent of Grupo FCC, a group which comprises a number of controlled entities. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Live Investor]

    What does the FCC have to say? The regulators reaction is nothing surprising. After Son met the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convince them about the prospects of the proposed deal, Reuters reported that FCC chairman Tom Wheeler wasnt quite impressed and had dubious thoughts on it.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-10-prefered-stocks-for-2015.html

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Top 5 Small Cap Companies For 2015

Yesterday, Luna Innovations Incorporated (NASDAQ: LUNA), a rather unusual and innovative small cap stock,�soared some 23.26%���meaning its worth taking a closer look at the stock along with its performance verses the performance of small cap benchmarks like the iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF (NYSEARCA: IWM), the�iShares Russell 2000 Value Index ETF (NYSEARCA: IWN) or the iShares Russell 2000 Growth Index ETF (NYSEARCA: IWO).

What is Luna Innovations Incorporated?

Founded in 1990, small cap Luna Innovations Incorporated is comprised of scientists, engineers and business professionals developing and manufacturing a new generation of technologies and products. Luna Innovations Incorporated�has been successful in taking innovative technologies from applied research to product development and ultimately to the commercial market in fields as diverse as healthcare, telecommunications, aerospace, energy, automotive and defense. In some cases, these successes led to the creation of independent businesses that were sold to industry leaders in their fields while in other instances,�LUNA�raised private capital, formed joint ventures and entered licensing agreements.

Top 5 Small Cap Companies For 2015: Hot Topic Inc.(HOTT)

Hot Topic, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a mall- and Web-based specialty retailer in the United States. The company operates Hot Topic and Torrid store concepts, as well as an e-space music discovery concept, ShockHound. Its Hot Topic stores sell music/pop culture-licensed merchandise, including tee shirts, hats, posters, stickers, patches, postcards, books, novelty accessories, CDs, and DVDs; and music/pop culture-influenced merchandise comprising women?s and men?s apparel and accessories, such as woven and knit tops, skirts, pants, shorts, jackets, shoes, costume jewelry, body jewelry, sunglasses, cosmetics, leather accessories, and gift items for young men and women primarily between the ages of 12 and 22. The company?s Torrid stores sells casual and dressy jeans and pants, fashion and novelty tops, sweaters, skirts, jackets, dresses, hosiery, shoes, intimate apparel, and fashion accessories for various lifestyles for plus-size females primarily betw een the ages of 15 and 29. As of July 30, 2011, it operated 636 Hot Topic stores in 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada; 145 Torrid stores; and Internet stores, hottopic.com and torrid.com. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in City of Industry, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Marshall Hargrave]

    In May True Religion (TRGL) announced a buyout offer from TowerBrook Capital for $826 million. Also in May, Rue21 decided to sell itself to Apax Partners for $2.2 billion. Before that, in March, Hot Topic (HOTT) announced that Sycamore Partners was buying out it out for $600 million.

Top 5 Small Cap Companies For 2015: ATA Inc.(ATAI)

ATA Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides computer-based testing services in the People?s Republic of China. It offers services for the creation and delivery of computer-based tests utilizing its test delivery platform, proprietary testing technologies, and testing services; and provides logistical support services relating to test administration. The company?s computer-based testing services are used for professional licensure and certification tests in various industries, including information technology (IT) services, banking, securities, teaching, and insurance. Its e-testing platform integrates various aspects of the test delivery process for computer-based tests ranging from test form compilation to test scoring, and results analysis. ATA also provides career-oriented educational services, such as single course programs, degree major course programs, and pre-occupational training programs focusing on preparing students to pass IT and other vocational certification tests; test preparation and training programs and services to test candidates preparing to take professional certification tests in securities, futures, banking, insurance and teaching industries; online test preparation and training platform for the securities and banking industries; and test preparation software for the teaching industry. In addition, the company offers HR select employee assessment solution, an online system that utilizes its proprietary software and an inventory of test titles to help employers improve the efficiency and accuracy of their employee recruitment process. As of March 31, 2010, it had contractual relationships with 1,988 ATA authorized test centers. The company serves Chinese governmental agencies, professional associations, IT vendors, and Chinese educational institutions, as well as individual test preparation services. ATA Inc. was founded in 1999 and is based in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    Industrials stocks gained Friday, with ATA (NASDAQ: ATAI) leading advancers. Meanwhile, gainers in the sector included Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG), with shares up 22 percent, and Korn/Ferry International (KFY), with shares up 12 percent. In trading on Friday, basic materials shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.36 percent.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    Industrials stocks gained Friday, with ATA (NASDAQ: ATAI) leading advancers. Meanwhile, gainers in the sector included Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG), with shares up 22 percent, and Korn/Ferry International (KFY), with shares up 12 percent. In trading on Friday, basic materials shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.36 percent.

Best Food Companies 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).

  • [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). Utilities shares dropped by 0.11 percent in the US market today.

Top 5 Small Cap Companies For 2015: 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.

Top 5 Small Cap Companies For 2015: Panera Bread Company(PNRA)

Panera Bread Company, together with its subsidiaries, owns, operates, and franchises retail bakery-cafes in the United States and Canada. Its bakery-cafes offer fresh baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads, custom roasted coffees, and other complementary products, as well as provide catering services. The company also manufactures and supplies dough and other products to company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafes. As of March 29, 2011, it owned and franchised 1,467 bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Co., and Paradise Bakery & Cafe names. The company was founded in 1981 and is based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    One casual dining player that insiders are active in here is Panera Bread (PNRA), which is a national bakery-cafe concept with 1,652 company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafe locations in 44 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Insiders are buying this stock into modest strength, since shares are up 5.2% so far in 2013.

    Panera Bread has a market cap of $4.8 billion and an enterprise value of $4.5 billion. This stock trades at a reasonable valuation, with a trailing price-to-earnings of 26.28 and a forward price-to-earnings of 21.32. Its estimated growth rate for this year is 15.8%, and for next year it's pegged at 15.1%. This is a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $341.06 million and its total debt is zero.

    The CFO just bought 1,500 shares, or about $252,000 worth of stock, at $168.58 per share.

    From a technical perspective, PNRA is currently trending below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bearish. This stock recently gapped down big from $187.50 to its low of $165.55 a share with heavy downside volume. That move has now pushed shares of PNRA into oversold territory, since its current relative strength index reading is 25.59. Oversold can always get more oversold, but it's also an area where a stock can experience a powerful rebound higher from.

    If you're bullish on PNRA, then look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above some key near-term support at $165.55, and then once it breaks out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at its 200-day of $171.33 a share to more resistance at $172.50 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 volume of 439,019 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then PNRA will set up to re-fill some of its previous gap down zone that started at $187.50 a share. Some possible upside targets if PNRA

  • [By John Udovich]

    At the end of last week, small cap sandwich stock Potbelly Corp (NASDAQ: PBPB) had a delicious surge of 120% for its IPO���meaning its probably a good idea to see whether its still worth getting in on the action plus take a look at the performance of peers�Cosi Inc (NASDAQ: COSI), Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ: PNRA) and Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc (NASDAQ: BAGL) as Subway remains private. I should mention that competing with Subway in the sandwich business is a tall order as they have 40,229 restaurants in 102 countries and territories as of early September���making them the�largest single-brand restaurant chain and the largest restaurant operator globally. However, Potbelly Corp and its peers Cosi Inc, Panera Bread Co and Einstein Noah Restaurant Group aren�� slugging it out directly with Subway.

  • [By Chris Hill]

    Pepsi's (NYSE: PEP  ) �second-quarter profits rise 35%. Shares of Ford (NYSE: F  ) hit a two-year high. Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT  ) lowers guidance in the wake of a bad quarter. And Panera's (NASDAQ: PNRA  ) �second-quarter profits come in lower than expected. In this installment of Investor Beat, Motley Fool analysts Matt Koppenheffer and Jason Moser discuss four stocks making moves on Tuesday.

  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    On Tuesday, Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA  ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions on stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever inevitable surprises arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed knee-jerk reaction to news that turns out to be exactly the wrong move.

Top 10 Telecom Stocks For 2015

Top 10 Telecom Stocks For 2015: Vivendi SA (VIVHY)

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

On November 13, 2009, Vivendi acquired an aggregate of 29.9% of GVTs outstanding voting shares from Swarth Investments LLC, Swarth Investments Holdings LLC and Global Village Telecom (Holland) BV. In addition, Vivendi acquired from third parties an additional 8% interest in GVT's outstanding shares. On December 28, 2009, Canal+ Group, Vivendis subsidiary, acquired TF1s 9.9% interest in the capital of Canal+ France. On July 31, 2009, Maroc Telecom acquired 51% controlling interest in Sotelma. On August 27, 2009, CID, a company 40% owned by SFR and 60% by other financial investors, acquired the 62% interest in 5 sur 5.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Demitrios Kalogero! poulos]

    Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI  ) is striking out on its own. The company reached a purchase agreement with Vivendi (NASDAQOTH: VIVHY  ) to transfer enough shares so that it will become an independent company, one that's majority-owned by public investors rather than a single corporation.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-10-telecom-stocks-for-2015.html

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Capitalize on Surging Aluminum Demand Without the Commodity Risk

Constellium (NYSE: CSTM  ) is a downstream aluminum producer engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of specialty rolled and extruded aluminum products. The Netherlands-based company, which offers its products primarily to the aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries, is a world leader in the manufacturing of high-quality aluminum products and solutions.

Aluminum demand is expected to be strong in 2014. Top U.S. aluminum producer Alcoa (NYSE: AA  )  expects global demand growth of 7% and is projecting a deficit of 730,000 tons for the year. Alcoa expects the aerospace market to register the strongest growth in demand, followed by automotive. 

Constellium is making investments to meet demand in these sectors. The company offers investors one of the better ways to gain exposure to these fast-growing aluminum markets without the commodity risk.

Aerospace market
With backlogs at aircraft original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, such as Boeing (NYSE: BA  ) and Airbus (NASDAQOTH: EADSY  ) at all-time highs, and with aluminum taking share on aircraft design, Constellium remains confident about the future of its aircraft business. Moreover, with 90% of this business under long-term contract, Constellium has a fair degree of insulation from economic uncertainty. 

Top 5 Companies To Own For 2015

Source: Company documents.

Robust demand for both large commercial aircraft and regional jets, along with continued growth in the business jet market, is driving strong aluminum demand in the aerospace sector. Constellium is the market leader in aerospace plate worldwide and is looking to continue to take share. 

Constellium expects total airplane deliveries to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2012-2017. The company remains confident that its high-margin Airware technology will help it grow market share. Compared to traditional solutions, Airware generates higher EBITDA per ton and commands longer contracts with aircraft OEMs. The Dutch company argues that its technology is several years ahead of competitive offerings. 

Airware has already taken share from aluminum on current aircraft production, as demonstrated by the increase in contracted business for the product over the past 12 months. While the company is investing in capacity to meet contracted need, the demand could grow further over time. 

Airware is gaining contractors' attention due to its relatively lower density/weight advantage of 5% and superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional aluminum. Over the longer term, a redesign of planes using Airware could achieve weight savings of 25%. This is a significant opportunity for Constellium, as Airware is a higher-margin product, and the company is investing 70 million euros in casting capacity.

Source: Company Documents.

Automotive market
Constellium is also positioned to benefit from growing aluminum demand in the automotive market. The company forecasts the global aluminum body-in-white, or BIW, market to grow at 45% CAGR from 2012-2015 and 14% CAGR from 2015-2020.

Constellium expects the aluminum body structure market to grow at 10% per annum from 2015-2020, and the aluminum crash management system, or CMS, market to grow at 5% per annum over the same period. Automotive will be the fastest-growing market for Constellium, rising at 18% over the medium term.

Source: Company Documents.

The company is already investing to expand capacity and meet additional demand, including 200 million euros in Europe and additional capital in the U.S. to expand BIW capacity. To supply BIW sheet in North America, Constellium has entered into a joint venture with Japan's UACJ to build a BIW mill at Bowling Green, Ky., for a combined cost of $150 million. The facility will have an initial target capacity of 100,000 tons. 

Source: Company Documents.

Packaging market
While the company's packaging business is not as exciting as aerospace and automotive, it remains an important base load and a generator of free cash flow even through economic ups and downs. Constellium has no plans to exit the business, despite its relatively lower margins.

Source: Company Documents.

Moreover, there are still significant growth opportunities in the international markets, particularly Europe. Unlike the U.S., many parts of the world are still meaningfully transitioning toward a purely aluminum can market. Constellium forecasts the European beverage market transitioning from roughly 78% aluminum today to 85% in 2016. The company currently has a 36% market share; it is well positioned to leverage a projected European can stock consumption increase to 955,000 tons in 2017 from 866,000 tons in 2012.

Source: Company Documents.

Foolish wrap-up
Constellium offers investors exposure to growing aerospace and automotive markets without the commodity risk. The company remains strongly positioned to benefit from growing aluminum demand in these markets and increased market penetration of its Airware product. While the packaging segment provides earnings visibility, it also has growth opportunities in the international markets, particularly Europe.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Stocks surge as S&P 500 hits new record

Stocks jumped Tuesday as investors sent the Standard & Poor's 500 index to new all-time highs.

Investors were encouraged by better-than-expected economic data and more corporate deals.

The S&P 500 was up 0.6% and rose as high as 1,911.61, beating its previous all-time high of 1,902.17 set on May 13. The broad-based index closed above 1,900 for the first time Friday.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 0.5% to 16,681 and the Nasdaq composite index surged 1% to 4,226.

STOCKS: USA TODAY's live markets blog

Shares of Hillshire Brands leaped nearly 22% after Pilgrim's Pride offered to buy the meat producer for $6.4 billion. The deal could undo Hillshire's previous plans to acquire Pinnacle Foods for $4.2 billion. Pilrgrim's shares rose about 4% and Pinnacle dropped 6%.

In economic news, orders to factories for durable goods rose by a better-than-expected 0.8% in April, led by strong demand for military aircraft. Economists had predicted that orders would decline.

Consumers were feeling more upbeat in May as the Conference Board said its consumer confidence index rose to 83, up from 81.7 in April.

European shares edged higher.London's FTSE index was up 0.4% and Germany's DAX index gained 0.5%.

Shares in Asia were mostly lower Tuesday, although Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index gained 0.2% to 14,636.52. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index dipped 0.1% to 22,944.30 and South Korea's Kospi fell 0.6% to 1,997.63 .

Friday, the S&P 500 rose 8.04, or 0.4%, to a record closing high of 1,900.53. That beat its previous record closing high of 1,897.45 set on May 13. The Dow gained 63.19, or 0.4%, to 16,606.27 and turned positive for the year. The Nasdaq rose 31.47, or 0.8%, to 4,185.81.

Monday, May 26, 2014

All together now: Green '14 for S&P 500, Dow,…

The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index topped a fresh milestone Friday, closing above the 1900 level for the first time and highlighting the market's resilience and its fragility as the aging bull moves deeper into its fifth year.

Friday also marked the first time this year that the S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial average and Nasdaq composite all closed with a gain for 2014.

Coming off its best year since 1997, Wall Street has endured a great deal of turbulence in the stock market this year, as one-time highfliers in a small segment of the market suffered big declines — renewing fears that the selling would spread to the more stable, blue-chip corner of the market.

But the S&P 500 has been able to shrug off the steep losses in small stocks and once-popular biotech and Internet names, regaining its upward trajectory as investors seek out more stable, less-pricey names.

On Friday, the benchmark index rose 8.04 points, or 0.4%, to 1900.53. It also took out its prior closing high of 1897.45 from May 13. Year to date, the S&P is now up 2.8%.

The Dow finished the day up 0.4%, a gain of 63 points, to 16,606.27. Climbing 0.8% was the Nasdaq, which closed at 4185.81.

Gary Kaltbaum, president of Kaltbaum Capital Management, lauds the market's ability to avoid being dragged down by the stocks that got overly expensive and over-owned.

"For me, the most important part of the equation is the resilience," says Kaltbaum.

The market, of course, has overcome a nasty winter that hurt the economy, geopolitical fears abroad and the Federal Reserve's dialing back on its asset purchases.

Alec Lucas, 11, son of Bruce Lucas, right, CEO of Heritage Insurance, rings a ceremonial bell as his father's company begins trading ! during its IPO on Friday at the New York Stock Exchange.(Photo: Richard Drew, AP)

Kaltbaum advises investors not to get overly bullish, however.

"It is just a round number," he says. "I wouldn't get too crazy over 1900. But the fact the S&P 500 cannot correct in a meaningful fashion is a sign of strength."

The move to new highs suggests the market's uptrend remains intact, in large part because interest rates remain low, says David Kotok, chief investment officer at Cumberland Advisors.

"The market has an upward bias," says Kotok. "It will continue to have it as long as the Fed holds interest rate near 0%. A slow recovery in the economy means the Fed keeps rate near zero all of this year and some or all of 2015. (And that means the) market heads higher. Maybe, much higher."

Quincy Krosby, market strategist at Prudential Financial, offers a more cautious view on the market's outlook.

"Volume is light heading into the long weekend, and light volume can skew market performance," says Krosby. "Unless the data floods the market with undeniably strong numbers, the most likely scenario is a sideways market."

Big round numbers like 1900 are often tough to barrel through easily, she adds.

"It is the big round number phenomenon, but if history is any guide, the market will keep testing the high number," says Krosby. "What you need is a number of sessions with strong volume and a broadening of participation to feel secure that the level will hold."

5 Best Transportation Stocks To Own For 2015

Don Luskin, chief investment officer at TrendMacro, says the recent market weakness is history.

"Round numbers are meaningless, but it's meaningful to make all-time highs," says Luskin. "The winter correction is over. Spring has sprung. It's going to be a very good year. The sector rotation out of growth stocks that had everyone scared in April is over, and in f! act has r! eversed itself."

Summary: Encouraging housing data lifts S&P to new record; HP shares jump after job cut news; Aeropostale's big miss. Bobbi Rebell reports. Video provided by Reuters Newslook

Sunday, May 25, 2014

NetSuite: This Stock Should Help You Benefit From SAAS Growth

NetSuite (N) has performed impressively this year and risen around 50%. This is in line with the expectations for a company that is one of the leading vendors in the world for cloud computing solutions as SaaS (software as a service).

NetSuite has received excellent rating from Forbes for its exceptional products. And, Forbes claims it to be one of the 100 most trustworthy companies in America, while Gartner rates it as the fastest growing financial management software company.

Solid performance

The company has strong financial credentials with phenomenal growth. The recent results were robust and exceeded analyst estimates.

The top line increased 31% from last year to $101 million in Q2, which exceeded the consensus estimate of $100.62 million. The addition of 330 new customers and an increase of 20% in selling prices as compared to last year led to the growth in revenue. EPS at $0.05 surpassed the analyst estimate of $0.02.

Positive prospects ahead

NetSuite is extremely positive about its future prospects and is targeting much higher revenue in the next quarter, in a range of $105 million to $106 million. The company plans to achieve this target with its marketing strategies and revenue from global channel partners. NetSuite also recorded a growth of 70% in global channel partners as compared to the same term in the previous year.

The EMEA region is expected to accelerate its revenue with the gaining traction for cloud implementation and in-house hosting solutions.

NetSuite acquired Retail Anywhere recently that sells point of sale (POS) retail software and software solutions to multi-channel retail stores. The acquisition allowed NetSuite to grow its presence in stores. Retail Anywhere's cloud capabilities will compile transactions from across stores, and integrate them with back-end support systems of businesses and offer customers a complete solution.

Further, the Oracle-NetSuite partnership for providing ERP solutions as SaaS on cloud to the mid-sized industry segment is expected to bring in more customers in the future.

NetSuite is also in partnership with Capgemini, and benefited from growth in sales due to the existence of the marketing network of Capgemini in 44 countries. These partnerships have helped the company expand its customer base rapidly and its revenue as well. Going forward, the cloud computing and SaaS growth is expected to push growth. According to Gartner, the SaaS market is expected to be worth $22.1 billion by 2015 and this growth is believed to be further driven by cloud computing.

Are competitors doing better than NetSuite?

Salesforce.com (CRM) also provides business solutions and is another major player in the industry. It majorly provides solutions in Customer Resource Management software.

In June 2013 it acquired ExactTarget worth $2.5 billion. ExactTarget has a client base of 6,000 customers for its cloud marketing platform with some famous ones like Coca-Cola, Nike, Gap etc. ExactTarget is expected to strengthen the marketing platform of Salesforce.com with its expertise and skills. However, Salesforce had to take a loan of $300 million to acquire ExactTarget which was eyebrows raiser.

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Investors are losing confidence in Salesforce.com due to its history of posting losses and overpaying for acquisitions. The acquisition of ExactTarget is expected to drain the company's cash and lead to a cash crunch and an increased debt load. But Salesforce recently illustrated excellent Q2 results which were accompanied by a terrific outlook.

Its revenue for Q2 jumped 31% from last year to $957 million and EPS came in at $0.09. These figures exceeded the analyst's expectations and the company also increased its guidance for the year. It now expects revenue in the range of $4 billion to $4.03 billion, slightly ahead of the $4 billion analyst estimate.

Intuit (INTU) is popular for its financial software and has mid-sized businesses as its client to provide software services. "QuickBooks" is its financial and accounting products which is the most popular business accounting software in the U.S. among midsized businesses.

Intuit's revenue jumped 12% from the year-ago period to $634 million for Q4. The increase in QuickBooks Online subscribers, which grew 28% and higher revenue from the Small Business Group is expected to drive further growth. There is an impressive performance by Software as a service accounting for 37% of its overall revenue. The mobile usage jumped 300% in the tax season. These results illustrate Intuit's business strategy.

Intuit has different plans to grow with the divestment of its Intuit Financial Services business and selling of Intuit Health Group. The company aims at capturing small businesses and consumer tax for future growth.

Valuation

However, NetSuite's valuation shows that the stock is expensive as of now for investors. According to Yahoo! Finance, the forward P/E multiple is huge at 230 times earnings and the PEG ratio is also 12.6 times. So, investors having a greater risk apetite might consider NetSuite for their portfolio at current levels. The CAGR of company for the next 5 years is quite impressive at 29% above the industry average of 18.7% and hence, is expected to grow at a faster rate than the industry in the next five years according to analysts.

Conclusion

NetSuite has shown exceptional growth in its top line and bottom lines. It has huge opportunity to grow with the emerging cloud-based applications era. The company's wide customer base and some strong partnerships make it a good choice for investors' portfolio.

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Friday, May 23, 2014

Aeropostale: Oops

There’s no pleasing teens–or investors–as Aeropostale (ARO) is learning today.

Bloomberg News

Shares of Aeropostale have dropped a whopping 25% to $3.41 after the teen retailer said its second quarter loss would come in between 55 cents to 61 cents a share, larger than the 51 cent loss predicted by economists. Aeropostale also said that it would burn through $70 million this quarter, though they would also get about $45 million from a tax refund.

RBC Capital Market’s Howard Tubin and Courtney Willson downgraded Aeropostale to Sector Perform from Outperform. They explain why:

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To say our call on ARO shares has been bad would be a colossal understatement. We have stayed with it over the last several quarters because we believed and continue to believe that management is making the appropriate changes to the merchandise. Where we went wrong was in the timing. We expected the changes made in-store, online, and within the marketing strategies to have already gained traction. However, business remains difficult….In addition, their progress is being hampered by difficult business conditions in the teen space, overall. Hence, we are moving to the sidelines until we have more visibility on the improvement in business trends.

Interestingly, Aeropostale’s colossal drop hasn’t had much impact on other teen retailers today. American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has gained 0.6% to $10.83 today, while Tilly’s (TLYS) has dropped 0.3% to $10.48, Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) has declined 0.3% to $37.10, and Buckle (BKE) has fallen 2.1% to $45.10.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Stocks Set To Rise Ahead of Fed

*DISCLOSURES: Scott Redler is flat

There are mixed and subdued markets around the world as Europe hugs the flat line EU bond yields rise in Italy and Spain (we haven't heard that in a while). The ECB is also is in focus as some think they could go to negative interest rates. Asia is mixed as Japan was off small as it waits on the BOJ and the Shanghai bounces back 0.84%.

Today we get Fed minutes, which sometimes move markets, especially after Plosser's remarks yesterday that some believe ignited the weakness mid-day. I'm not so sure it was his statements that made the difference, all I know is that frustration is running high and there is a distinct difference between the action in each market. Some think the erratic, random, thin action could lead to a big decline in the S&P and Dow.

Some think that the correction we saw in many growth stocks and sectors "was the correction" and the broader indices held up just fine. I am trying to take it day by day as buying after a multi-day move has been stressful except for "unique" situations. But if you try and press shorts after an initial move (especially SPY, DIA) you probably didn't do so well either.

Today S&P futures are up 3-4 handles. We are still above important intermediate support of 1862-1865ish. As long as we stay above this, you can't be super short this index. Resistance stands at 1885-1890 then 1902. I am on my toes and very flexible.

The Nasdaq ETF (QQQ) is trying to act better, as we've had a few better set ups recently.  There is some support at $87.30 but more important support here is $86.50ish. Resistance stands at $88.60.

The Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) turned back lower after a move off last week's lows. The 21-day has been big resistance here for the past few weeks where it got rejected again. Big support is $107.44-108.42.

High beta tech hangs a bit tougher.

Netflix (NFLX) was able to eke out another 2% gain after the clean breakout on Monday as it was listed on our Off The Charts newsletter on Sunday night with an entry at $350. The stock went as high as $372.70 and closed on highs, showing some commitment. It's hard to buy after a three-day rally but it's nice to see this high beta waking up again. Some digestion above the two-day support of $362 could keep its momentum intact for a further short squeeze.

Apple (AAPL) held above the breakout level of $597.50 as it put in a pivot low at $600.73 and stayed above this level most of yesterday's session. Use yesterday's low as the new point of reference to trade against as holding above this could lead to a potential breakout above $607.

Google (GOOG) had a nice two-day rally to retest the short-term resistance of $536. It did close well off of highs but found support at Monday's intra-day level of $526. Holding above the 2-day support of $526 would keep it in the game for a break above this pivot resistance.

Amazon (AMZN) took its turn to lead this group up as the stock showed relative strength in the morning to get a nice rally up to retest its 21-day EMA at $305. It still has a lot to prove but holding above the recent pivot low of $290 would keep it in the game. The pivot action area was $299 from yesterday's note.

Tesla (TSLA) has been inching up since dip buyers stepped in at the 200-day EMA two weeks ago. There's been a few trades along the way. The stock has regained the support of its 8-day EMA. I do think it's vulnerable. A break below $190 could put pressure back on.

Facebook (FB) tried to build on Monday's Day #1 but failed yesterday. It couldn't hold $59.56 (RDR pivot) and then got pressured. Perhaps a trade below $58.18 and some that are trying to be short this could have some success. This range is getting frustrating.

There's been some action in biotech stocks.

The Biotech ETF (IBB) continued to build a tight mid-level range above its 200-day EMA. The longer it stays above $225, the higher the probability it could see a break above the weekly resistance of $233.80.

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Biogen (BIIB) has been hovering around its 8- and 21-day EMA to build a tight range. A break above $294 on good volume could set it back in motion. I'd keep stops in at $285.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Home Depot: May Sales 'Robust' on Post-Winter Demand

Earns Home Depot Sue Ogrocki/AP Home Depot (HD) the world's largest home improvement chain, said its sales were "robust" in May and that it expected to realize in the current quarter most of the sales lost in the first quarter due to a severe winter in the United States. Shares of the company, which reported lower-than-expected first-quarter sales, rose 2.7 percent Tuesday in morning trading. Home Depot said its sales of landscape items and products such as concrete were improving as a result of repairs needed after the harsh winter weather. The company gets much of its business from building contractors, who are vulnerable to weather-related disruptions. Spring is also an important time for the company, as households prepare their gardens and get set for the barbecue season. Home Depot maintained its sales growth forecast of 4.8 percent for the year ending January, but analysts were skeptical. A slowing recovery in the U.S. housing market could make it difficult for Home Depot to meet its reiterated sales growth forecast, they said. "We remain neutral as we worry that a weaker housing market will impact sales as the year progresses," Janney Capital Markets analyst David Strasser wrote in a note. U.S. homebuilder sentiment weakened unexpectedly in May to its lowest in a year, the National Association of Home Builders said last week. Sales of previously owned homes fell each month in the first quarter, while new home sales declined in February and March. Home Depot, however, said that though housing statistics were not as robust as last year, they were not materially different from the assumptions the company based its expectations on. "Our fundamental view of the recovery in the home improvement market has not changed," Chief Executive Officer Francis Blake said on a post-earnings call. Home Depot rival Lowe's Cos. (LOW) is due to report its results Wednesday. Home Depot also raised its full-year earnings forecast to $4.42 a share from $4.38 a share. The increase reflects a 4 cents a share benefit from the sale of shares in HD Supply Holdings Inc and share buybacks this year. The company said it intended to buy back up to $3.75 billion additional shares this year. Home Depot's sales rose 2.9 percent to $19.69 billion in the first quarter ended May 4. Comparable-store sales increased 2.6 percent. Net income rose 12 percent to $1.38 billion, or $1 a share. The company earned 96 cents a share, excluding a 4 cent benefit related to the sale of HD Supply shares. Analysts on average had expected a profit of 99 cents a share on sales of $19.95 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Nordstrom, Dillard's start 2014 strong

A slew of retail first-quarter earnings announcements Thursday showed Wal-Mart, the country's largest retailer, slumping — but beleaguered J.C. Penney recovering.

Wal-Mart reported a profit decline of 5% as bad weather, poor sales abroad and cuts to food stamps sent net income down to $3.6 billion from $3.78 billion a year ago. Earnings per share fell 3.5% to $1.10, missing analyst estimates.

"Like other retailers in the United States, the unseasonably cold and disruptive weather negatively impacted U.S. sales and drove operating expenses higher than expected," said Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon in a statement.

Meanwhile, J.C. Penney appears to be making a comeback a little more than a year after former CEO Ron Johnson left after an unsuccessful turnaround attempt. The retailer beat analysts' expectations with an earnings per share loss of $1.15 — analysts expected a loss of $1.26 a share — and sales up 6.3% to $2.8 billion, from $2.6 billion a year ago.

Penney shares leaped nearly 20% in after-hours trading to $10.03. The company also announced that it took out a $2.35 billion line of credit to increase liquidity during peak times such as the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

"It is clear that our efforts to re-merchandise many areas of the store and revamp our messaging to the customer are taking hold," CEO Mike Ullman said in a company statement. "We expect to carry this momentum into the second quarter as we continue to position the company for long-term profitable growth."

Department stores Nordstrom and Dillard's both reported successful first quarters, with positive sales so far in 2014, the companies said Thursday.

Nordstrom's net sales grew 6.8% to $2.8 billion, compared with $2.65 billion last year. Earnings fell to $140 million from $145 million, which the company attributed to planned investments in technology. Earnings per share were 72 cents, beating the company's own estimates of from 60 to 70 cents.

Same-store sales, or sales a! t stores open at least a year, grew 3.3%, up from last year's 3.1% growth, thanks to strong performance in accessories, cosmetics and women's shoes.

Dillard's reported a gain of $2.56 per share, vs. $2.50 last year. Net income was $111.7 million, vs. $117.2 million last year. The 2013 first quarter included a net after-tax credit of $4.4 million. Total sales increased 1% to about $1.54 billion from $1.53 billion.

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CEO William Dillard said in a statement that the 2% increase in same-store sales marked the 15th-consecutive quarter of positive sales.

While Wal-Mart saw same-store sales fall 1.4%, sales at the company's Neighborhood Markets, smaller stores that compete with drugstores and grocery stores, continue to climb. Sales at the Markets rose 5%, and Wal-Mart reaffirmed plans to open more. In September, Wal-Mart said it would have about 500 Neighborhood Markets by the spring of 2015, up from 290 at the time.

Penney continues to promote heavy sales, especially around holidays such as Valentine's Day and Easter, in an attempt to regain customer traffic. Ullman said that April marked the first time in more than 30 months that Penney's experienced positive store traffic.

Brian Sozzi, CEO of Belus Capital Advisors, says Penney's merchandise assortment has improved and is better displayed in stores.

"J.C. Penney stores looked visually appealing in the first quarter," he says. "Clothing was folded. Merchandise was properly ticketed."

He adds, "I think the consumer saw the old school J.C. Penney back in action, with promotions consistently in the range of 30% to 45%. "(Ullman) is taking J.C. Penney back to what he knows: heavily promoted and well merchandized."

Contributing: Roger Yu

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Top 5 States With Greatest New 401(k) Growth

The top five states with the strongest relative growth in new 401(k) plans – a good indicator of economic growth – are mostly found in the West, according to research by Judy Diamond Associates.

The national retirement plan data publisher, a unit of ThinkAdvisor’s parent company, Summit Professional Networks, found that the top state had more than 7% growth in the total number of its 401(k) plans.

“New 401(k) plans are strong indicators of the creation of entirely new businesses or businesses that have reached a level of success where they can begin to offer their employees more and better benefits,” said Eric Ryles, managing director of Judy Diamond.

Ryles added that states with the greatest ratio of new 401(k) plans also are likely those with favorable small business environments.

Judy Diamond looked at the number of newly initiated 401(k) plans in 2012, the most recent year for which a complete set of data was available. The 24,127 new plans included in the study covered 443,969 participants.

“The median participation rate for these new plans was 89 percent, which suggests that a lot of these new plans are taking advantage of automatic enrollment features, which have been available to plan sponsors for almost a decade as a result of the Pension Protection Act,” Ryles said.

"Since our previous research has shown that participation rate is the single most important factor in achieving a positive retirement outcome, this figure is tremendously encouraging. It was also nice to see that nearly two-thirds of these employers contributed some amount to the plan on behalf of the employees.”

The analysis found that participants in the new plans contributed an average of $1,769 each to their accounts, while employers added an average contribution of $1,091 per participant.

Judy Diamond is a provider of sales prospecting and plan analysis tools for benefits brokers, financial advisors, plan providers, and carriers serving the employee benefits and retirement markets. 

The top five states with growth in new 401(k) plans are:

Miami skyline (Photo: AP)

No. 5: Florida

Total 401(k) plans: 21,584

New 401(k) plans: 1,420

% of new plans: 6.58  

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. (Photo AP)

No. 4: California

Total 401(k) plans: 61,047

New 401(k) plans: 4,036

% of new plans: 6.61 

Biker in Wyoming. (Photo: AP)

No. 3: Wyoming

Total 401(k) plans: 722

New 401(k) plans: 50 

% of new plans: 6.93

Skiers in Colorado

No. 2: Colorado 

Total 401(k) plans: 8,427 

New 401(k) plans: 600

% of new plans: 7.12

Phoenix skyline

No. 1: Arizona

Total 401(k) plans: 6,800

New 401(k) plans: 491

% of new plans:  7.22

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