Monday, September 30, 2013

Xstrata’s Former Chief Gets Back to Mining

The former CEO of mining company Xstrata has a new venture to keep him busy. Mick Davis has brought together his former management team, all of whom had to go job hunting after the massive Glencore-Xstrata merger closed last May.

The new mining company is called X2 Resources and, according to the company's announcement, it will "seek value creating opportunities in the mining and metals sector." There are plenty of opportunities out there as the big miners like Glencore Xstrata, Anglo American, Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE: RIO), BHP Billiton Ltd. (NYSE: BHP) and others are shedding assets — or trying to. There do not appear to be a lot of buyers, and those that exist know how badly the sellers want to get rid of marginal assets.

X2 Resources has acquired $500 million in backing from private equity firm TPG, plus another $500 million from commodities trading house Noble Group. The company’s announcement outlines its strategy:

The X2 Resources investment proposition is to create a new mid-tier diversified mining and metals group by leveraging the extensive track record of the X2 Team in identifying and acquiring assets and businesses at an opportune time in the cycle and applying their proven approach to integration and value enhancement to the resulting portfolio of operations.

Now $1 billion is not a lot of cash in the mining business, but over a period of 10 years Davis built Xstrata in much the same fashion.

Davis and the former Xstrata executives had to do something. The original merger deal with Glencore offered a retention bonus package of around $270 million for the execs. Shareholders saw that as a giveaway and voted against the package.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Rolaids Back on U.S. Store Shelves

The U.S. division of Paris-based Sanofi (NYSE: SNY) announced on Monday that an iconic U.S. consumer product not named Twinkies is on its way back to store shelves. Over-the-counter antacid Rolaids is once again available after a gap of nearly three years.

Sanofi's U.S. consumer products subsidiary Chattem Inc. acquired the rights to the Rolaids brand from McNeil-PPC, Inc. — a division of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) — in January of this year and has lived up to its promise to get the product back on store shelves by the end of 2013. J&J pulled Rolaids from the market in December 2010 following the discovery of contamination in the tablets which were made under contract.

J&J reportedly paid $16.6 billion to Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) to acquire the Rolaids brand in 2006. The terms of the sale to Sanofi was not disclosed.

Best Low Price Companies To Own For 2014

TV chef Guy Fieri has been hired to market Rolaids and Chattem said it will resurrect one of the most recognizable taglines in advertising history to support the product launch: "How do you spell relief? R-O-L-A-I-D-S."

Maybe you had to be there.

Shares of Sanofi are up about 0.2% Monday afternoon at $48.08 in a 52-week range of $42.20 to $55.94.

Friday, September 27, 2013

10 Best Undervalued Stocks To Watch For 2014

Europe, once a bright spot in global auto sales, has completely imploded and taken its consumers with it. Ford (NYSE: F  ) and General Motors' (NYSE: GM  ) losses in the region are a large reason why their stock prices remain undervalued. Both are expected to combine for as much as $4 billion in losses in Europe this year, a major drag on earnings. While both are on plan to break even in the region by mid-decade, a recent bright spot has appeared that has opened an opportunity for investment ��Russia. Here are some details on what you can expect, and what Ford and GM are doing to take advantage of this development.

Russia
Russia's growth story is one of few to be found in Europe's mess which is near 20-year lows in auto sales. Its auto market is the second largest in Europe, trailing only Germany, and its passenger car market could grow to top 3.5 million in unit sales, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. What's more is that Russia's long-term growth seems sustainable because of neighboring countries' growth, as well as its lower vehicle per population density compared to other more developed countries.

10 Best Undervalued Stocks To Watch For 2014: Caterpillar Inc.(CAT)

Caterpillar Inc. manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. It operates through three lines of businesses: Machinery, Engines, and Financial Products. The Machinery business offers construction, mining, and forestry machinery, including track and wheel tractors, track and wheel loaders, pipelayers, motor graders, wheel tractor-scrapers, track and wheel excavators, backhoe loaders, log skidders, log loaders, off-highway trucks, articulated trucks, paving products, skid steer loaders, underground mining equipment, tunnel boring equipment, and related parts. It also manufactures diesel-electric locomotives; and manufactures and services rail-related products and logistics services for other companies. The Engines business provides diesel, heavy fuel, and natural gas reciprocating engines for Caterpillar machinery, electric power generation systems, marine, petrol eum, construction, industrial, agricultural, and other applications. It offers industrial turbines and turbine-related services for oil and gas, and power generation applications. This business also remanufactures Caterpillar engines, machines, and engine components; and offers remanufacturing services for other companies. The Financial Products business provides retail and wholesale financing alternatives for Caterpillar machinery and engines, solar gas turbines, and other equipment and marine vessels, as well as offers loans and various forms of insurance to customers and dealers. It also offers financing for vehicles, power generation facilities, and marine vessels. The company markets its products directly, as well as through its distribution centers, dealers, and distributors. It was formerly known as Caterpillar Tractor Co. and changed its name to Caterpillar Inc. in 1986. Caterpillar Inc. was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By E. Michael Greenberg]

    Blue Sphere has other major partners on these projects as well.� They have brought in a hedge fund that specializes in Cleantech investing as an equity partner.� This equity partner has committed to up to $7.5 million for the Charlotte project and $5 million for the smaller Johnson plant.� Caterpillar Financial Services, a division of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) is providing almost $18 million in debt for the construction of the Charlotte project.� Both groups are expected to fund upon their respective commitments to the Charlotte project by the end of August, which will allow Blue Sphere and Biogas Nord to begin construction of the facility in September of this year.� Blue Sphere�� management has stated that they expect the Charlotte project to be complete and producing with in 12 months of the beginning of construction.�

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    More likely: Investors were looking for an excuse to sell, and found one. The selling was so strong that just two Dow components finished the day out of negative territory. Caterpillar (CAT) gained 0.1% to $85.86, while Alcoa (AA) finished unchanged at $8.16.

  • [By Lee Jackson]

    Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) was started as Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley

    Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) was started as Underweight with a $72 price target (versus $84.48 close) by Morgan Stanley.

10 Best Undervalued Stocks To Watch For 2014: Schlumberger N.V.(SLB)

Schlumberger Limited, together with its subsidiaries, supplies technology, integrated project management, and information solutions to the oil and gas exploration and production industries worldwide. The company?s Oilfield Services segment provides exploration and production services; wireline technology that offers open-hole and cased-hole services; supplies engineering support, directional-drilling, measurement-while-drilling, and logging-while-drilling services; and testing services. This segment also offers well services; supplies well completion services and equipment; artificial lift; data and consulting services; geo services; and information solutions, such as consulting, software, information management system, and IT infrastructure services that support oil and gas industry. Its WesternGeco segment provides reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services; and operates data processing centers and multiclient seismic library. This segment also offers variou s services include 3D and time-lapse (4D) seismic surveys to multi-component surveys for delineating prospects and reservoir management. The company?s M-I SWACO segment supplies drilling fluid systems to improve drilling performance; fluid systems and specialty tools to optimize wellbore productivity; production technology solutions to maximize production rates; and environmental solutions that manages waste volumes generated in drilling and production operations. Its Smith Oilfield segment designs, manufactures, and markets drill bits and borehole enlargement tools; and supplies drilling tools and services, tubular, completion services, and other related downhole solutions. The company?s Distribution segment markets pipes, valves, and fittings, as well as mill, safety, and other maintenance products. This segment also provides warehouse management, vendor integration, and inventory management services. Schlumberger Limited was founded in 1927 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dr. Kent Moors]

    That's why some of the biggest OFS providers - like Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB), Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) and Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT) - have been buying up oil and gas equipment companies.

Top 10 Gold Stocks To Own Right Now: Tupperware Corporation(TUP)

Tupperware Brands Corporation operates as a direct seller of various products across a range of brands and categories through an independent sales force. The company engages in the manufacture and sale of kitchen and home products, and beauty and personal care products. It offers preparation, storage, and serving solutions for the kitchen and home, as well as kitchen cookware and tools, children?s educational toys, microwave products, and gifts under the Tupperware brand name primarily in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific, and North America. The company provides beauty and personal care products, which include skin care products, cosmetics, bath and body care, toiletries, fragrances, nutritional products, apparel, and related products principally in Mexico, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, and Uruguay. It offers beauty and personal care products under the Armand Dupree, Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, Nuvo, and Swissgar de brand names. The company sells its Tupperware products directly to distributors, directors, managers, and dealers; and beauty products primarily through consultants and directors. As of December 26, 2009, the Tupperware distribution system had approximately 1,800 distributors, 61,300 managers, and 1.3 million dealers; and the sales force representing the Beauty businesses approximately 1.1 million. The company was formerly known as Tupperware Corporation and changed its name to Tupperware Brands Corporation in December 2005. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Udovich]

    Everyone is familiar with�the Tupperware brand from�consumer products stock Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) and you are probably familiar with the brands�of mid cap stock Jarden Corp (NYSE: JAH) along with small cap stocks Libbey Inc (NYSEMKT: LBY) and Lifetime Brands Inc (NASDAQ: LCUT); but what about the stocks themselves? Chances are, their brands or products are right under your nose at home and you probably don�� know anything about the mid cap or small cap stock behind them.

  • [By Oliver Pursche]

    European large-cap pharmaceuticals like Novartis (NVS) �and Bristol Meyers Squibb (BMY) �count amongst some of our favorite stocks right now, as do U.S. multinationals that are growing revenue and margins in Asia ��Tupperware (TUP) �is a shining example. Stay away from utilities and energy stocks, as they are likely to be the laggards over the next year.

10 Best Undervalued Stocks To Watch For 2014: Dollar Tree Inc.(DLTR)

Dollar Tree, Inc. operates discount variety stores in the United States and Canada. Its stores offer merchandise primarily at the fixed price of $1.00. The company operates its stores under the names of Dollar Tree, Deal$, Dollar Tree Deal$, Dollar Giant, and Dollar Bills. Its stores offer consumable merchandise, including candy and food, and health and beauty care, as well as household consumables, such as paper, plastics, household chemicals, in select stores, and frozen and refrigerated food; variety merchandise, which includes toys, durable housewares, gifts, party goods, greeting cards, softlines, and other items; and seasonal goods, such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas merchandise. As of April 30, 2011, it operated 4,089 stores in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 88 stores in Canada. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Paul Ausick]

    Dollar General�� share price is up less than 6% in the past 12 months, but since the beginning of the year shares have risen more than 22%. And even then, Dollar General�trails Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR) in share price growth since January 1. Dollar Tree stock is up 30%.

At the Close: S&P 500 Suffers Longest Slump of 2013; Wal-Mart Leads Dow Lower

Stocks fell for a fifth consecutive day as investors fretted about the happenings in Washington D.C.

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

The S&P 500 fell 0.3% to 1,692.77, suffering its longest slump since the six-day decline ending Dec. 28.   The Dow Jones Industrials dropped 0.4% to 15,273.26.

There’s plenty to be feeling bearish about. The U.S. government might be heading for a shutdown over its budget and the debt ceiling, while investors are still hoping for some clarity regarding tapering. Guggenheim’s Scott Minerd sums up the general malaise:

U.S. equities have become further extended, and there is a risk that the increasing economic headwinds could negatively affect earnings and share prices as the end of the year approaches. Additionally, the United States faces ongoing uncertainty over monetary policy and increasing concern in Washington about a possible government shutdown. With only three months remaining in 2013, a rebound in economic growth does not appear likely before the first or second quarter of 2014. The outlook for the economies and markets of Asia and Europe, however, appears much more positive, which the current decrease in U.S. interest rates will only reinforce.

Best Casino Stocks To Own Right Now

And rather than rehash what’s happening in the capital and the bickering among Fed governors, I thought I’d offer up a non-consensus view towards the U.S. stock market from the folks at Rcube, a French investment and research firm. In a report released yesterday, they offer their downbeat outlook for U.S. stocks:

…the FED's decision of not going ahead with the tapering confirms our belief that both global and US economic momentums have probably already peaked…In the US, loan growth is decelerating, not accelerating as should be the case at this stage of the cycle. This is happening while the availability as well as the cost of credit is extremely accommodative. Since May, the loan growth has been negative (‐3% annualized)…

We therefore believe that the recent equity spike is mostly due to a massive short covering based on weak fundamentals…

Wal-Mart (WMT) dropped 1.5% to $74.65 today after Bloomberg reported that unsold goods have caused the retailer to cut back on new orders.

Genworth Financial (GNW) gained 3.9% to $12.73–the second best in the S&P 500–after reports that it would probably go ahead with an IPO of its Australian unit next year and filed for a rate increase on some long-term care insurance policies.

Gannett (GCI) rose 3.6% to $26.67 after Belo (BLC) shareholders approved a merger of the two companies. Belo’s stock fell 0.6% to $13.72.

Carnival (CCL) fell 5.3% to $32.70 today, a day after falling nearly 8% on disappointing earnings. Barron’s says it’s time to buy.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014

Medical device manufacturer Mindray Medical (NYSE: MR  ) announced this morning that it has appointed a co-CEO for the company.

Cheng Minghe, who currently serves as�the company's chief strategic officer -- a position he will maintain -- will join company President�Li Xiting in leading the device maker.

Cheng is a co-founder of the company and as such�has served in various roles since it was established in 1991, including in sales, marketing, and strategic�development. As co-CEO,�he will assist �Li in executing Mindray's strategies and overseeing its operations.

"I am very excited about Mr. Cheng's appointment as the co-CEO," Li was quoted as saying. "His extensive experience and exceptional leadership skills made him an ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to him joining me in fulfilling our company's vision and mission in the future."

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Terumo (TRUMY.PK)

TERUMO CORPORATION operates in four business segment. The Hospital Products segment is engaged in the manufacture, purchase and sale of hospital medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, peritoneal dialysis and diabetes related products, and the rental of hospital medical equipment and home medical products. The Cardiac and Vascular Area segment is involved in the manufacture, purchase and sale of catheter systems, artificial heart and lungs, as well as artificial blood vessels, the manufacture and sale of therapeutic coils for cerebral aneurysm, sampling equipment and kits for platelet-rich plasma and concentrated bone-marrow cell, and large-bore sheaths. The Blood System segment is engaged in the manufacture, purchase and sale of blood transfusion-related products. The Healthcare segment manufactures and sells healthcare related products. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had 79 subsidiaries and 2 associated companies.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Oxford BioMedica PLC (OXB)

Oxford BioMedica plc is a biopharmaceutical company developing gene-based medicines and therapeutic vaccines. The Company�� LentiVector platform products include ProSavin, RetinoStat, StarGen, UshStat, EncorStat, Glaucoma-GT and MoNuDin. Its 5T4 Tumour Antigen produces TroVax and Anti-5T4 antibody. The Prime Boost�� product includes Hi-8 Mel. Its GDEPT platform produces MetXia and Anti Angiogenesis platform produces EndoAngio-GT. The Company is developing four LentiVector platform product candidates for the treatment of ocular diseases: RetinoStat for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD); StarGen for Stargardt disease; UshStat for Usher syndrome type 1B, and EncorStat for corneal graft rejection. TroVax is a therapeutic vaccine that stimulates the immune system to destroy cancerous cells expressing the 5T4 tumour antigen. On February 25, 2011, the Company purchased a freehold property, United Kingdom comprising a manufacturing facility.

Hot Safest Companies To Invest In 2014: Cerus Corporation(CERS)

Cerus Corporation, a biomedical products company, engages in the development and commercialization of the INTERCEPT Blood System. The company?s INTERCEPT system is designed to inactivate blood-borne pathogens in donated blood components intended for transfusion. It markets the INTERCEPT system for platelets and plasma primarily in Europe, the Russian Federation, and the Middle East. The company is also developing INTERCEPT Blood System for red blood cells or red blood cell system, which is designed to inactivate blood-borne pathogens in donated red blood cells for transfusion. Cerus Corporation has collaboration agreements with Baxter International, Inc.; and BioOne Corporation, as well as the United States Armed Forces. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Concord, California.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Galena Biopharma Inc (GALE)

Galena Biopharma, Inc. (Galena), formerly RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation, incorporated on April 3, 2006, is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing therapies addressing unmet medical needs using targeted biotherapeutics. The Company is pursuing the development of cancer therapeutics using peptide-based immunotherapy products, including its main product candidate, NeuVaxTM (E75), for the treatment of breast cancer and other tumors. NeuVax is a peptide-based immunotherapy intended to reduce the recurrence of breast cancer in low-to-intermediate HER2-positive breast cancer patients not eligible for trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech/Roche). On January 19, 2012, the Company initiated enrollment in its Phase 3 PRESENT clinical trial for NeuVax (E75 peptide plus GM-CSF) vaccine in low-to-intermediate HER2 1+ and 2+ breast cancer patients in the adjuvant setting to prevent recurrence (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01479244). The Prevention of Recurrence in Early-Stage, Node-Positive Breast Cancer with Low to Intermediate HER2 Expression with NeuVax Treatment study is a randomized, multicenter, multinational clinical trial that will enroll approximately 700 breast cancer patients. The Company�� Phase 2 trial of NeuVax achieved its primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS). On April 13, 2011, the Company completed its acquisition of Apthera, Inc.,(Apthera).

The Company focuses to start a Phase 2 trial comparing NeuVax in combination with trastuzumab (Herceptin) versus trastuzumab, alone, in a 300-patient, randomized study in the adjuvant breast cancer setting. The Company's second product candidate, Folate Binding Protein-E39 (FBP), is a vaccine, consisting of the peptides E39 and J65, aimed at preventing the recurrence of ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancers. On February 14, 2012, the Company announced the initiation of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in two gynecological cancers: ovarian and endometrial adenocarcinomas. Folate binding protein has ! very limited tissue distribution and expression in non-malignant tissue and is over-expressed in more than 90% of ovarian and endometrial cancers, as well as in 20% to 50% of breast, lung, colorectal and renal cell carcinomas.

In April 2011, the Company acquired Apthera Inc and its NeuVax product candidate. The Company focuses on developing a pipeline of immunotherapy product candidates for the treatment of various cancers based on the E75 peptide, the advanced of which is NeuVax, which is targeted at preventing the recurrence of breast cancer. NeuVax has had positive Phase 1/2 clinical trial results for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence in patients who have had breast cancer and received the standard of care treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy as indicated). The Company had also initiated its Phase 3 PRESENT clinical trial of NeuVax for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence in early-stage low-to-intermediate HER2 breast cancer patients. NeuVax directs killer T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells that express HER2/neu, a protein associated with epithelial tumors in breast, ovarian, pancreatic, colon, bladder and prostate cancers. NeuVax is comprised of a HER2/neu-derived peptide called E75. E75 is a nine-amino acid sequence that is immunogenic (produces an immune response) and GM-CSF is a commercially available protein that acts to stimulate and activate components of the immune system such as macrophages and dendritic cells.

The Company also develops novel applications for NeuVax based on preclinical studies and phases 2 clinical trials which suggest that combining NeuVax and trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech/Roche) can increase antigen presentation by tumor cells by promoting receptor internalization and subsequent proteosomal degradation of the HER2 protein. The Company also is pursuing additional therapeutic indications for NeuVax that are in Phase 1/2 clinical trials. RXI-109, is a dermal anti-scarring therapy that targets! connecti! ve tissue growth factor (CTGF) and that may inhibit connective tissue formation in human fibrotic disease.

The Company competes with Roche Laboratories, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Bayer HealthCare AG, Sanofi-Aventis, US, LLC, Amgen, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Renovo Group plc, CoDa Therapeutics, Inc., Sirnaomics, Inc., FirstString Research, Inc., Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Capstone Therapeutics, Halscion, Inc., Garnet Bio Therapeutics, Inc., AkPharma Inc., Promedior, Inc., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eyegene, Derma Sciences, Inc., Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, Pharmaxon, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Marina Biotech, Inc., Tacere Therapeutics, Inc., Benitec Limited, OPKO Health, Inc., Silence Therapeutics plc, Quark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rosetta Genomics Ltd., Lorus Therapeutics, Inc., Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Arrowhead Research Corporation, Regulus Therapeutics Inc. and Santaris.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Paul Ausick]

    Stocks on the move: Galena Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: GALE) is down 15.4% at $1.93 after pricing a secondary offering of 17.5 million units at $2.00. Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) is up 6.1% at $28.21, after an analyst�� upgrade which sent shares to a new 52-week high of $28.88 earlier. Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNR) is down 18.2% at $4.08.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Prima BioMed Ltd (PBMD)

Prima BioMed Ltd is a biotechnology company is engaged in the development and commercialization of medical therapies with a focus on oncology. Its product candidates in development include Cvac, an autologous dendritic cell vaccine for ovarian cancer, monoclonal antibodies for multiple tumour types, and an oral formulation for the human papilloma virus (HPV), vaccine. Its product candidate Cvac is a dendritic cell therapy, for which it is conducting a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Cvac is designed to target the tumour antigen mucin-1, which is expressed at high levels on different tumour types. It also has two preclinical product development programs. In May 2011, Prima BioMed GmbH, a 100 % owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in Germany. In May 2011, Prima BioMed Middle East FZLLC, a 100 % owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in the United Arab Emirates. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Prima Biomed (NASDAQ: PBMD) dropped 38.17% to $1.45 after the company reported top-line analysis of CVac Phase 2 trial.

    Tower Group International (NASDAQ: TWGP) plummeted 24.31% to $10.49. Tower Group announced its plans to release its Q2 results during the week of October 7, 2013. FBR Capital downgraded the stock from Outperform to Market Perform.

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Prima Biomed (NASDAQ: PBMD) shares dipped 38.59% to touch a new 52-week low of $1.44 after the company reported top-line analysis of CVac Phase 2 trial.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Johnson & Johnson(JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. The Consumer segment provides products used in baby care, skin care, oral care, wound care, and women?s health care fields, as well as nutritional, over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, and wellness and prevention platforms under the brands of JOHNSON?S, AVEENO, CLEAN & CLEAR, JOHNSON?S Adult, NEUTROGENA, RoC, LUBRIDERM, DABAO, LISTERINE, REACH, BAND-AID, CAREFREE, STAYFREE, SPLENDA, TYLENOL, SUDAFED, ZYRTEC, MOTRIN IB, and PEPCID AC. The Pharmaceutical segment offers products in various therapeutic areas, such as anti-infective, antipsychotic, contraceptive, dermatology, gastrointestinal, hematology, immunology, neurology, oncology, pain management, and virology. Its principal products include REMICADE for the treatment of immune me diated inflammatory diseases; STELARA for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; SIMPONI, a treatment for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; VELCADE for the treatment of multiple myeloma; PREZISTA and INTELENCE for treating HIV/AIDS patients; NUCYNTA for moderate to severe acute pain; INVEGA SUSTENNAtm for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults; RISPERDAL CONSTA for the management of bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia; and PROCRIT to stimulate red blood cell production. The Medical Devices and Diagnostics segment primarily offers circulatory disease management products; orthopaedic joint reconstruction, spinal care, and sports medicine products; surgical care, aesthetics, and women?s health products; blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery products; professional diagnostic products; and disposable contact lenses. The company was founded in 1886 and is based in Ne w Brunswick, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dividend Growth Investor]

    Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. This dividend aristocrat has managed to raise distributions for 51 years in a row. Over the past decade, it has managed to reward shareholders with 11.70% in annual dividend raises on average. Currently, the stock trades at 16.50 times forward earnings, and yields 3%. Check my analysis of Johnson & Johnson.

  • [By Dividend]

    Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has a market capitalization of $245.62 billion. The company employs 127,600 people, generates revenue of $67.224 billion and has a net income of $10.514 billion. Johnson & Johnson�� earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounts to $20.811 billion. The EBITDA margin is 30.96 percent (the operating margin is 20.49 percent and the net profit margin 15.64 percent).

  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    The advent of stem cell biotechnology has put several diseases and ailments in the crosshairs... cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and even brain injuries, just to name a few. There are no limits to what cell-based therapies could do, however, with the right ingenuity and know-how. That's how a small cap, off-the-radar company called BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. (OTCBB:BRTX) may be about to make life much more difficult for bigger diabetes players like Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO).

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Elan Corporation PLC (ELN)

Elan Corporation, plc (Elan), incorporated in December 1969, is a neuroscience-based biotechnology company. The Company is focused on discovering and developing advanced therapies in neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Elan�� business focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer�� disease and Parkinson�� disease; autoimmune diseases, including MS and Crohn�� disease and neo-epitope based targets for treatments across a range of therapeutic indications. Tysabri is a treatment for MS and Crohn�� disease that the Company markets and distributes with Biogen Idec. On September 16, 2011, Elan sold its EDT business to Alkermes, Inc. In November 2011, Elan launched a collaboration with the University of Cambridge, England, the Cambridge-Elan Centre for Research Innovation and Drug Discovery (Cambridge-Elan Centre). On December 21, 2012, the Company completed the demerger of Prothena Corporation plc. In April 2013, it closed the TYSABRI (natalizumab) Collaboration Transaction with Biogen Idec.

Tysabri

Tysabri, which is an alpha-4 integrin inhibitor, is a therapy for MS, a neurological disorder involving central nervous system dysfunction among adults. Tysabri is approved in more than 65 countries. Tysabri is approved in the United States as a monotherapy for relapsing forms of MS, for patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, an alternative MS therapy. In the European Union, it is approved for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in adult patients who have failed to respond to beta interferon or have rapidly evolving, severe RRMS. As of December 31, 2011, there were approximately 64,400 patients on Tysabri therapy worldwide.

In June 2011, the European Commission (EC) approved the inclusion of the anti-JCV antibody status as an additional factor in stratifying patients at risk for developing PML in the Summary of Product Characteristics��(SmPC) for Tysabri in the European Union. The Company has developed a two-step ! enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), STRATIFY JCV, with Biogen Idec. The assay detects anti-JCV antibodies in the blood of patients, and is commercially available in Europe. In January 2012, the FDA cleared the assay for commercial use in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, over 80,000 tests had been administered using the assay. Tysabri is marketed and distributed by Elan and Biogen Idec. The Company�� research group, Neotope, is focused on creating monoclonal antibodies based on neo-epitope targets for the treatment of a range of therapeutic indications.

Beta Amyloid Immunotherapies (AIP)

Beta amyloid immunotherapy includes the treatment of Alzheimer�� disease by inducing or enhancing the body�� immune response in order to clear toxic species of beta amyloid from the brain. The AIP includes bapineuzumab (intravenous and subcutaneous delivery) and ACC-001, as well as other compounds. Bapineuzumab is an experimental humanized monoclonal antibody delivered intravenously that is being studied as a treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer�� disease. It is designed to provide antibodies to beta amyloid directly to the patient (passive immunotherapy).

ELND005, an A� Aggregation Inhibitor

The small molecule ELND005 (Scyllo-inositol) is a beta amyloid anti-aggregation agent. Preclinical data suggest that ELND005 may act through the mechanism of preventing and reversing the fibrilisation of beta amyloid (the aggregation of beta amyloid into clumps of insoluble oligomers). ELND005 may have additional applications in psychiatric indications, such as bipolar disorder. In November 2011, the Company entered into a manufacturing agreement for the supply of the active pharmaceutical ingredient for ELND005 with Lonza Group AG.

Neotope Biosciences Limited

Neotope Biosciences Limited (Neotope) is the Company�� wholly owned subsidiary that focuses on the discovery and development of antibodies to neo-epitope related targ! ets for t! he treatment of a range of indications. It includes amyloidosis, diabetes, cancer and macular degeneration. Neotope�� portfolio of targets includes alpha-synuclein for the potential treatment of synucleinopathies, such as Lewy body dementia and Parkinson�� disease, tau for Alzheimer�� disease and other tauopathies. It also has a program for type 2-diabetes.

Onclave Therapeutics Limited

Elan�� wholly owned subsidiary Onclave Therapeutics Limited (Onclave) was formed to develop assets originating from Elan that have application in oncology related diseases. Onclave�� program, NEOD001, which originated from Neotope, is being investigated for the treatment of AL amyloidosis, which is a fatal disease involving abnormal accumulation of amyloid in organs and tissue. During the year ended December 31, 2011, Onclave filed for orphan drug designation of NEOD001. Onclave�� pipeline includes additional compounds with relevance in diverse cancer indications.

The Company competes with Biogen Idec, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Bayer Schering Pharma, Merck Serono, Pfizer, Teva Neurosciences, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis and Novartis AG.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In 2014: Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Inc (RNN)

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Rexahn) is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company focuses on the development of cures for cancer to patients worldwide. The Company�� pipeline features one drug candidate in Phase II clinical trials. The Company also has several other drug candidates in pre-clinical development. In addition, the Company has two renal cell carcinoma (CNS) candidates, Serdaxin, CNS Disorders drug for depression and neurodegenerative diseases and Zoraxel, which is a erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual dysfunction drug that are in clinical stages and the Company is are exploring options for further development . The Company�� drug candidate, Archexin is an anticancer Akt inhibitor.

Archexin

Archexin is potent inhibitor of the Akt protein kinase (Akt) in cancer cells. Archexin has FDA orphan drug designations for five cancers (RCC, glioblastoma, and cancers of the ovary, stomach and pancreas). Multiple indications for other solid tumors can also be pursued. Archexin inhibit both activated and inactivated forms of Akt, and to reverse the drug resistance observed with the protein kinase inhibitors. Archexin is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) compound that is complementary to Akt mRNA, and selective for inhibiting mRNA expression and production of Akt protein. As of December 31, 2011, Archexin was in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic cancer with enrollment completed in September, 2011.

Serdaxin

Serdaxin is an extended release formulation of clavulanic acid, which is an ingredient present in antibiotics approved by the FDA. The Company had been developing Serdaxin for the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative disorders. From January to September, 2011, the Company conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared two doses of Serdaxin, 0.5 milligram and 5 milligram, to placebo over an eight-week treatment period for major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. As of Dec! ember 31, 2011, the Company had not made a determination of Serdaxin�� future paths or resource allocations to further develop Serdaxin to treat MDD.

Zoraxel

Zoraxel is an orally administered, on-demand tablet to treat sexual dysfunction. Zoraxel is a dual enhancer of neurotransmitters in the brain that play a key role in sexual activity phases of motivation and arousal, erection and release, and may be the ED drug to affect all three of these phases of sexual activity. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was evaluating how to proceed with the Phase IIb study of Zoraxel.

The Company�� Pre-clinical Pipeline Drug Candidates includes RX-1792, which is a small molecule anticancer EGFR inhibitor; RX-5902, which is a small molecule anticancer ribonucleic acid (RNA) helicase regulator; RX-3117, which is a Small molecule anticancer deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis Inhibitor; RX-8243, which is a small molecule anticancer aurora kinase inhibitor; RX-0201-Nano, which is a nanoliposomal anticancer Akt inhibitor; RX-0047-Nano, which is an nanoliposomal anticancer HIF-1 alpha inhibitor and RX-21101, which is a nano-polymer Anticancer.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

UBS Sees Apple Shares Rising to $560

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) already was recovering from its lows when Carl Icahn tweeted that he had purchased a large stake in the consumer electronics giant. Also note that Apple’s stock price has been challenging $500 for more than a week now. So what happens when UBS issues a research report maintaining its Buy rating but adjusting its price target up to $560 from $500?

The long and short of it is that Apple is trading up almost 1% and is over the $504.00 level. The stock has traded as high as $510.57 on Tuesday and $513.74 on Monday. Those will be crucial stock levels to watch if the rally recovers.

While many analysts upgrade or downgrade shares, or raise or lower price targets, solely based on when a target is hit, the UBS team here is raising its earnings estimates as well. That makes the Apple target price upgrade more than just a refresh to adjust for the market performance.

UBS sees earnings in its 2014 of $44.65 per share, versus a prior target of $42.39 per share, and versus a consensus estimate from Thomson Reuters of $42.31 per share. The boost to earnings is after making certain assumptions less conservative from the coming iPhone refresh and also due to a likely deal with China Mobile expected this year.

With shares trading at $504, the 52-week trading range is $385.10 to $705.07. The $560 UBS price target compares to a $525.92 consensus target from Thomson Reuters.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014

The recent budget proposal from the Obama administration is taking a lot of criticism for its big emphasis on clean energy technology development. While some may critique the method on how this will be funded, others fear the possibility of these clean energy investments failing,�the most recent and most widely publicized example being the bankrupt solar company Solyndra.�

Yet while we rake the muck of these failed�investments, many of us look over the fact that several industries and technologies were made possible from government funding.�Clearly, not every investment the government makes will be a great success, but�several�successful�businesses have developed in large part because of government assistance. There are examples across almost every sector of industry, but for now let's focus on developments in energy and see if a failure like Solyndra is an�aberration or just part of everyday business for the government.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: Range Resources Ltd(RRS.AX)

Range Resources Limited engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas in Somalia, the Republic of Georgia, the United States, and Trinidad. The company?s property interests include Nugaal and Dharoor blocks in Puntland, Somalia; East Texas Cotton Valley prospect in Red River county, Texas; and the North Chapman Ranch project in Nueces county, Texas. It also holds interests in blocks located in the Republic of Georgia. Range Resources Limited is based in West Perth, Australia.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: Boss Energy Ltd (BOE.AX)

Boss Resources Limited engages in the exploration and development of gold projects in west Africa and an oil shale project in northern Tasmania. It holds 100% interest in the Golden Hill, Gourma, and Tenkodogo gold projects covering approximately 1730 square kilometers located in Burkina Faso, west Africa; and an interest in Latrobe oil shale project located in northern Tasmania. The company was formerly known as Boss Energy Limited and changed its name to Boss Resources Limited in September 2011. Boss Resources Limited is based in Subiaco, Australia.

Top 10 Warren Buffett Stocks To Own Right Now: NBT Bancorp Inc.(NBTB)

NBT Bancorp Inc., a financial holding company, provides commercial banking and financial services to individuals, corporations, and municipalities in central and upstate New York, northeastern Pennsylvania, and the greater Burlington, Vermont area. The company accepts various deposit products that include demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificate of deposit accounts. Its loan portfolio comprises residential real estate mortgages, commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, real estate construction and development loans, agricultural and agricultural real estate loans, consumer loans, home equity loans, and lease financing. NBT Bancorp also provides retirement plan consulting and recordkeeping services; and trust and investment, financial planning, and life insurance services, as well as enables customers to check balances, transfer funds, pay bills, view statements, apply for loans , and access various other product and service information online. As of December 31, 2010, the NBT Bank division had 86 divisional offices and 114 automated teller machines (ATMs) located primarily in central and upstate New York and Burlington, Vermont; and the Pennstar Bank division had 37 divisional offices and 50 ATMs located primarily in northeastern Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in Norwich, New York.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: First Quantum Minerals Ld Com Shs Npv(FQM.L)

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. operates as a mining and metals company worldwide. It produces copper cathode, copper in concentrate, gold, nickel, and sulphuric acid. The company holds an 80% interest in Kansanshi, a copper-gold mine located in Zambia; and a 100% interest in the Guelb Moghrein, a copper-gold mine located in Mauritania. Its development projects include the Ravensthorpe, a nickel-cobalt project in Australia; the Kevitsa, a nickel-copper-precious group elements project in Finland; the Sentinel, a copper deposit in Zambia; the Haquira, a copper project in Peru; the Enterprise, a nickel project in Zambia; and the Fishtie, a copper project in Zambia. First Quantum Minerals Ltd. was founded in 1983 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: HSIL Ltd (HSIL)

HSIL Limited is engaged in manufacturing of sanitaryware products. The Company operates in two segments: sanitaryware and glassware. Its products include Sanitaryware, Faucets, Tiles, Kitchen appliances, Container Glass, PET Bottles and Wellness products. Its brands include Hindware, Hindware Art, Hindware Italian Collection, Raasi, Benelave and Queo. It also operates in two divisions: Building Products and Container Glass. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, it launched 25 new sanitaryware products under the Hindware portfolio, two series of faucets under the Benelave brand, two new varieties of tiles (double charge tiles and three dimensional tiles) and six kitchen appliances. Its manufacturing facilities are located at Bahadurgarh, Haryana; Somanypuram, Bibinagar, Andhra Pradesh, and Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. On August 12, 2011, the Company acquired Garden Polymers Private Limited. On March 20, 2013, it disinvested/sold its entire investment in AGI Glasspack Ltd.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: International Business Machines Corporation(IBM)

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. Its Global Technology Services segment provides IT infrastructure and business process services, including strategic outsourcing, process, integrated technology, and maintenance services, as well as technology-based support services. The company?s Global Business Services segment offers consulting and systems integration, and application management services. Its Software segment offers middleware and operating systems software, such as WebSphere software to integrate and manage business processes; information management software for database and enterprise content management, information integration, data warehousing, business analytics and intelligence, performance management, and predictive analytics; Tivoli software for identity management, data security, storage management, and datacenter automation; Lotus software for collaboration, messaging, and so cial networking; rational software to support software development for IT and embedded systems; business intelligence software, which provides querying and forecasting tools; SPSS predictive analytics software to predict outcomes and act on that insight; and operating systems software. Its Systems and Technology segment provides computing and storage solutions, including servers, disk and tape storage systems and software, point-of-sale retail systems, and microelectronics. The company?s Global Financing segment provides lease and loan financing to end users and internal clients; commercial financing to dealers and remarketers of IT products; and remanufacturing and remarketing services. It serves financial services, public, industrial, distribution, communications, and general business sectors. The company was formerly known as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. and changed its name to International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. IBM was founded in 1910 and is based in Armonk, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Stoyan Bojinov]

    On Tuesday, New York-based “Big Blue” bellwether IBM Corp. (IBM) announced its commitment to developing and investing in open source software, namely Linux.

    IBM re-affirmed its dedication to work more closely with the Linux OS in light of the LinuxCon event taking place this week. The company is reportedly setting aside roughly $1 billion over the course of the next four to five years to invest in the development of Linux-based technologies and platforms. Sources say the money will likely go into building a “cloud” based on IBM Power servers running Linux; the company did not disclose whether it was financing Linux developments internally or through third-party projects.

    IBM shares sank lower on Tuesday, shedding 0.51% on the day. The stock is flat YTD.

  • [By Lisa Abramowicz]

    International Business Machines Corp. (IBM), the largest computer-services provider, sold $1.25 billion of seven-year notes in May at a record low coupon of 1.625 percent. That compares with a 5.7 percent rate on 10-year debt issued in 2007 by the Armonk, New York-based company.

  • [By Reuters]

    Wendy Maeda/The Boston Globe via Getty Images NEW YORK -- Walgreen is moving 120,000 employees to a private health insurance exchange from coverage provided directly from carriers, the company will announce Wednesday. The pharmacy chain will join 17 other large employers on the Aon Hewitt Corporate Health Exchange as part of a growing movement to offer employees fixed dollar amounts to purchase their own plans on such exchanges. The end-cost to employees depends on the plan chosen, but they typically get more options than under traditional arrangements. Private exchanges mimic the coverage mandated as part of the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment in the public exchanges starts Oct. 1. "What happens to employer contributions over time? Will they put in as much as they put in the past? These are unanswered questions but potential negatives," says Paul Fronstin, a senior research associate with the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The benefit to Walgreen and other employers is unknown at this point, as their cost-savings aren't clear. Of the 180,000 Walgreen (WAG) employees eligible for health care insurance, 120,000 opted for coverage for themselves and 40,000 family members. Another 60,000 employees, many of them working part-time, weren't eligible for health insurance. Aon Hewitt (AON) says other participants in its program include retailer Sears Holding (SHLD) and Darden Restaurants (DRI). These new additions raise enrollment to 330,000 from 100,000 last year, and Aon Hewitt estimates enrollment will jump to 600,000 next year, a fivefold increase from 2012. By 2017, nearly 20 percent of employees nationwide could get their health insurance through a private exchange, according to Accenture Research (ACN). A recent report by the National Business Group on Health said that 30 percent of large employers are considering moving active employees to exchanges by 2015. Other major providers of private exchanges include Mercer, a division of Marsh & Mc

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: Identive Group Inc.(INVE)

Identive Group, Inc. provides secure identification (ID) solutions that combine the convenience of radio frequency identification (RFID) with the security of smart card technology to enable people to interact with and manage digital devices, systems, and data. The company operates in two segments, Identity Management Solutions and Services, and Identification Products and Components. The Identity Management Solutions and Services segment designs, supplies, and manages solutions, systems, and services that enable the secure management of credentials. It provides integrated physical and logical access systems, integrated ID solutions, cashless payment solutions, and cloud-based credential management systems, designed to enable organizations provide convenience and speed for users while supporting security and compliance to regulatory requirements. This segment sells its solutions under the Hirsch Identive, idOnDemand, and Multicard brands to end customers that operate in the government, education, enterprise, and commercial markets; and in multiple vertical market segments, such as healthcare, banking, industrial, retail, and critical infrastructure. The Identification Products and Components segment designs and manufactures RFID and smart card technology-based products and components, including NFC products and components, that are used in the government, enterprise, and consumer markets for various identity-based and related applications, such as logical access, physical access, eHealth, eGovernment, citizen ID, mobile payments, loyalty schemes, and transportation and event ticketing primarily under the Identive brand. The company markets its products through OEMs, distributors, dealers, system integrators, value-added resellers, resellers, and Internet. The company was formerly known as SCM Microsystems, Inc. and changed its name to Identive Group, Inc. in June 2010. Identive Group, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: Arca Biopharma Inc.(ABIO)

ARCA biopharma, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development of genetically-targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases. Its principal product candidate, Gencaro (bucindolol hydrochloride), is an investigational, pharmacologically unique beta-blocker and mild vasodilator being developed for the treatment of chronic heart failure and also for the prevention of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. The company has identified common genetic variations in the cardiovascular system that it believes interact with Gencaro?s pharmacology and may predict patient response. ARCA has collaboration with Laboratory Corporation of America to develop the Gencaro Test, a companion test for the genetic markers that identify these common genetic variations. The company is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: Canda Gas Corp (CJC.V)

Canada Strategic Metals, Inc., an exploration stage mining company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Canada. The company holds interests in various rare earth element and graphite properties located in Quebec, Canada. It also owns a 33.33% interest in the Prophet River natural gas project situated in northeastern British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Canada Rare Earths Inc. and changed its name to Canada Strategic Metals, Inc. in August 2012. Canada Strategic Metals, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 10 Clean Energy Stocks To Buy For 2014: Medivation Inc.(MDVN)

Medivation, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of small molecule drugs for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer, Alzheimer?s disease, and Huntington disease. The company?s product candidates under clinical development include MDV3100, which is in Phase 3 development for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer; and dimebon, which is in Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of Alzheimer?s disease and Huntington disease. It has collaboration agreements with Pfizer Inc. to develop and commercialize dimebon; and Astellas Pharma Inc. to develop and commercialize MDV3100. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Mosaic Updates Q3 Guidance (MOS)

On Monday, Mosaic Co. (MOS) updated its Q3 guidance ahead of upcoming investor conferences.

The Plymouth, MN-based crop nutrients company provided this update because “domestic and international crop nutrient markets have softened … as a result of the distributors’ cautiousness caused by the Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) break-up.” Mosaic still sees long-term positive outlook for the industry, but sees dealers being cautious in the short-term, thus deferring their purchases.

Due to the short-term purchase deferrals, Mosaic has lowered its “price and volume guidance for both the Potash and Phosphates segments for the third calendar quarter of 2013.”

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The company has lowered its potash volume for the quarter to a range of 1.45 million to 1.65 million tonnes, and a price range of $330 to $340 per ton. Also lowered is phosphate guidance, with volume now expected in the range of 2.6 million to 2.8 million tonnes, and a price range of $430 to $440 per ton.

Mosaic shares were down 44 cents, or .97%, at Monday’s market close. YTD, the company’s stock is down more than 20%.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Best Buy Company Earnings Point to New High; Forecast Cause for Concern

Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE: BBY) reported second-quarter fiscal 2014 results before markets opened this morning. The big-box retailer of electronics gear reported adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.32 and $9.3 billion in revenues. In the same period a year ago, Best Buy reported EPS of $0.26 on revenue of $9.34 billion. Second-quarter results also compare to the Thomson Reuters consensus estimates for EPS of $0.12 and $9.13 billion in revenue.

On a GAAP basis, Best Buy posted quarterly EPS of $0.69, which excludes one-time benefits of $0.43 per share related to legal settlements and includes $0.05 per share for a tax benefit related to the sale of its European operations.

At the end of the first quarter, the company's CFO gave a general indication of the things the company would be doing that would have a negative impact on operating income. Those impacts were expected to continue for the rest of the year, and Best Buy has attached some numbers to those expected costs. In the third fiscal quarter, the company expects the impact on operating income to be a negative 90 to 110 basis points. In the fourth quarter the negative impact will be negative 40 to 70 basis points. In fiscal year 2015, which begins in February, the company expects operating income to be down by 60 to 90 basis points in the first quarter, 70 to 100 basis points in the second quarter and 30 to 60 basis points in the third quarter.

In addition, Best Buy expects to see a negative impact in its third and fourth quarters as a result of a "temporary" increase in its mobile warranty costs and the sale of its private-label credit card business by Capital One to Citibank.

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The company's CEO said:

As expected, Domestic comparable store sales were down 0.4%. But this was driven by short-term disruptions caused by the retail deployment of the Samsung Experience Shops, Windows Stores, and floor space optimization, as well as our continuing rationalization of non-core businesses. Excluding these impacts, Domestic comparable store sales were flat to slightly positive for the quarter.

Domestic online sales grew by 10.5% in the quarter. The store posted good sales in mobile phones and appliances, but these were partially offset by lower sales of gaming and digital imaging gear.

The overall impact of Best Buy's report is slightly negative. Higher costs going forward coupled with lower revenues and declining margins in the United States. The company continues to struggle, even though it pounded the consensus earnings estimate and beat the revenue estimate.

Shares are up 15% in premarket trading this morning, at $35.37, well above the current 52-week range of $11.20 to $32.17. Thomson Reuters had a consensus analyst price target of around $29.90 before today's results were announced.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Why Defense Stocks Are Selling Off Ahead of Syria Military Action

When nations go to war, the so-called military industrial complex is generally considered to be the real winner when it comes to the economic side of the equation. Warfare is a very costly business, and all of the advanced munitions, weapons, monitoring, and defense equipment seems to keep ramping up in costs. With the markets spooked about the winds or war not pointing to Syria after its obvious use of chemical or biological warfare on its own citizens, then why on earth are the defense stocks doing so poorly?

First and foremost, investors are taking some money off of the table in stocks. We think there is more to this drop than mere profit taking and portfolio protection. The defense sector is almost entirely dependent upon the good graces and open pocketbook of the United States government and its allies, so another serious risk of a government shutdown or spending halt going into the debt ceiling debate could have an adverse impact on military spending.

A market sell-off on its own is currently no good enough reason to sell defense stocks if we are going to start dropping bombs, sending in targeted missiles, and spending millions and millions to be the eyes and ears in the sky. Even if we get around the budget and debt ceiling issues, perhaps the real risk is that defense stocks are fully priced or close enough to fully priced according to Wall Street analysts. The Iran risk is always present, but Afghanistan is winding down and Iraq is by and large in the past.

Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) is the largest maker of bullets. Its stock is down even more, with a 3.7% drop down to $97.85 in late Tuesday trading. This stock won from the gold rush in bullet hoarding and possibly as a doomsday prepper stock as its 52-week range is $48.00 to $103.77. According to Thomson Reuters, its consensus analyst target is $101.82 and the highest target is $121.00. Its media price target is slightly higher at $104. If we are not going to put boots on the ground in Syria, then waves and waves of new bullet orders are not going to be coming.

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) has a lot of defense exposure, but it is perhaps more dependent upon its commercial plane orders as of now. Its shares are down 2.1% at $103.32 in late Tuesday trading and its 52-week trading range is $69.03 to $109.49. According to Thomson Reuters, its consensus analyst target is $122.59 and the highest target is $135 for its stock.

General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) is down the least of defense stocks with a late-Tuesday drop of 1.4% at $83.08 against a 52-week trading range of $61.70 to $87.85. According to Thomson Reuters, its consensus analyst target is $95.80.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is down 1.5% at $123.25 in late Tuesday trading against a 52-week trading range of $85.88 to $126.73. According to Thomson Reuters, its consensus analyst target is $127.13 and the highest target is $149.00. The issue to consider is that the median price target is actually $125, so the value concern at $123 or $124 is more pressing.

L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LLL) is down by about 1.6% at $90.80 in late afternoon trading on Tuesday. its 52-week range is $68.72 to $94.32 and the consensus price target is $94.64.

Raytheon Co. (NYSE: RTN) is down 2.2% at $75.33 in late Tuesday trading against a 52-week trading range of $52.24 to $77.93. According to Thomson Reuters, its consensus analyst target is $74.63 and the highest target is $91.00. Its media price target is above the consensus at $77 but that still doesn’t leave much room for implied upside.

Another serious issue is that perhaps the targeting of Syria just will not be that aggressive. it is hard to find anyone in America and elsewhere who is for allowing a regime to use chemical or biological weapons in its own people or its enemies. That being said, most of the public does not want to support yet another war in yet another new country.

It is quite possible that targeted military action into Syria could bring almost no significant boost worth noting to the defense sector. Here are some statistics for Syria according to the CIA World Factbook:

Population 22,457,336 (July 2013 est.) Labor Force 5.327 million (2012 est.) Unemployment 18% (2012 est.) GDP $107.6 billion (2011 est.) on purchasing power parity, ranked #69 globally Public Debt 52.2% of GDP (2012 est.) Industrial production projected to be -36% in 2012 Export partners: Iraq 55.9%, Saudi Arabia 9.3%, Kuwait 6.1%, UAE 5.3%, Lebanon 4.2% (2012) Import partners: Saudi Arabia 21.2%, UAE 10.4%, Iran 7.7%, China 7%, Iraq 6.3%, Ukraine 6.3%, Egypt 4.3% (2012)

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Is Intel Undervalued At These Prices?

With shares of Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) trading around $23.90, is INTC an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE or STAY AWAY? Let's analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

T = Trends for a Stock’s Movement

Intel designs and manufactures integrated digital technology platforms including microprocessors and chipsets. The company sells these platforms primarily to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and industrial and communications equipment manufacturers in the computing and communications industries. Intel's platforms are used in a range of applications, such as personal computers, data centers, tablets, smartphones, automobiles, automated factory systems and medical devices.

The company  also develops and sells software and services primarily focused on security and technology integration. Microprocessors, chipsets, and software products and services are at the root of most technological progress. A bellwether and main provider like Intel will see rising demand and increased market share as it is the only viable option for a growing consumer base and expanding companies worldwide.

T = Technicals on the Stock Chart are Mixed

Intel stock has been fairly stagnant over the last few years. The stock is now trading near the middle of a range extending back several years. Analyzing the price trend and its strength can be done using key simple moving averages. What are the key moving averages? The 50-day (pink), 100-day (blue), and 200-day (yellow) simple moving averages. As seen in the daily price chart below, Intel is trading between its key averages which signal neutral price action in the near-term.

INTC

(Source: Thinkorswim)

Taking a look at the implied volatility (red) and implied volatility skew levels of Intel options may help determine if investors are bullish, neutral, or bearish.

Implied Volatility (IV)

30-Day IV Percentile

90-Day IV Percentile

Intel Options

28.50%

23%

22%

What does this mean? This means that investors or traders are buying a minimal amount of call and put options contracts, as compared to the last 30 and 90 trading days.

Put IV Skew

Call IV Skew

August Options

Flat

Average

September Options

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Flat

Average

As of today, there is an average demand from call buyers or sellers and low demand by put buyers or high demand by put sellers, all neutral to bullish over the next two months. To summarize, investors are buying a minimal amount of call and put option contracts and are leaning neutral to bullish over the next two months.

On the next page, let’s take a look at the earnings and revenue growth rates and the conclusion.

E = Earnings Are Decreasing Quarter-Over-Quarter

Rising stock prices are often strongly correlated with rising earnings and revenue growth rates. Also, the last four quarterly earnings announcement reactions help gauge investor sentiment on Intel’s stock. What do the last four quarterly earnings and revenue growth (Y-O-Y) figures for Intel look like and more importantly, how did the markets like these numbers?

2013 Q1

2012 Q4

2012 Q3

2012 Q2

Earnings Growth (Y-O-Y)

-24.53%

-24.40%

-10.77%

0.00%

Revenue Growth (Y-O-Y)

-2.53%

-2.95%

-5.45%

3.60%

Earnings Reaction

0.04%

-6.30%

-2.50%

3.27%

Intel has seen decreasing earnings and revenue figures over most of the last four quarters. From these numbers, the markets have been a bit confused with Intel’s recent earnings announcements.

P = Weak Relative Performance Versus Peers and Sector

How has Intel stock done relative to its peers, AMD (NYSE:AMD), Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:TXN), Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), and sector?

Intel

AMD

Texas Instruments

Nvidia

Sector

Year-to-Date Return

15.37%

79.17%

20.62%

19.05%

19.84%

Intel has been a weak relative performer, year-to-date.

Conclusion

Intel is a developer and distributor of valuable technology products including microprocessors, chipsets, and software to a growing consumer and company base worldwide. The stock has been fairly stagnant over the last several years and is currently trading near the middle of a range that extends back a few years. Over the last four quarters, investors in the company have been a bit confused as earnings and revenue figures have been decreasing. Relative to its peers and sector, Intel has been a weak year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what Intel does this coming quarter.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Here at The Motley Fool, we talk about "buying on the dip" when we see companies we like but would prefer to see a pull-back before we buy in. In the following video, Fool contributor Matt Thalman discusses a few recent opportunities in which investors could have bought into a few different blue-chip stocks had they been following the market and noticed the opportunity. The old saying that you should buy low and sell high may be easier said than done, though, as a lot of investors lack the patience and discipline to wait for good buying opportunities, and some opportunities can simply be overlooked. With the speed at which a few recent shares came back after falling, it's easy to see why although dips do occur, the average investor may miss them.

The price of becoming the world's greatest investor is that Warren Buffett can no longer make many of types of investments that made him rich in the first place. Find out about one such opportunity in "The Stock Buffett Wishes He Could Buy." The free report details a sector of the economy Buffett's heavily invested in right now and exactly why he can't buy one attractive company in that sector. Click here to keep reading.�

Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Ezra Holdings Limited(5DN.SI)

Ezra Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated offshore support solutions provider for the oil and gas industry. The company operates in four divisions: Subsea Services, Offshore Support Services, Production, and Marine Services. The Subsea Services division provides offshore seabed-to-surface construction services to the oil and gas industry. Its services include subsea, umbilicals, risers and flowlines installation, subsea inspection, maintenance and repair, floater and floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) installation, flexible and rigid pipelay and heavy lift, floatover installation, decommissioning and removal, and well intervention and drilling. The Offshore Support Services division owns, manages, and operates a diverse fleet of anchor handling, towing and supply vessels (AHTS), anchor handling tugs (AHT), platform supply vessels (PSV) and fast crew utility boats. The Production division, through its 46.5% interest in E OC Limited, owns and operates FPSO facilities, as well as offers services, such as FPSO conversion management, and the operation and maintenance of production facilities. The Marine Services division engages in the provision of marine supplies, fabrication, engineering, and design services to the company and clients in the offshore oil and gas industry. These services comprise ship design and building services, including engineering, construction and/or conversion, ship and rig repair, and overhaul services; fabrication and assembly of jack-ups, topsides, and platforms and other specialized offshore equipment; and FPSO turret design and engineering. The company offers its services in Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Americas, Australia, Africa, India, the United Arab Emirates, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Ezra Holdings Limited was founded in 1992 and is based in Singapore.

Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Aberdeen Asset(ADN.L)

Aberdeen Asset Management PLC is a publicly owned asset management holding company. The firm provides its services to governments, national pension schemes, listed investment companies, foundations and charities, private banks, and discretionary fund managers, and retail clients. The firm through its subsidiaries manages separate client focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios along with pooled investment vehicles. It also manages mutual funds for its clients. The firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It also invests in currency and property markets across the globe. The firm employs fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock picking approach to create its equity portfolio. It conducts in-house research to make its investments. Aberdeen Asset Management PLC was founded in 1983 and is based in Aberdeen, United Kingdom with additional office in Greater London, United Kingdom.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch Right Now: Highpower International Inc (HPJ)

Highpower International, Inc., incorporated on January 3, 2006, is engaged in the production and sales of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium batteries and battery systems. The Company also recycles scrap battery materials through outsourcing and resells the recycled materials to some of its customers. The Company�� wholly owned subsidiary is Hong Kong Highpower Technology Company Limited (HKHTC). HKHTC�� wholly owned subsidiaries Shenzhen Highpower Technology Company Limited (SZ Highpower), Highpower Energy Technology (Hui Zhou) Company Limited (HZ Highpower), Springpower Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited (SZ Springpower) and Icon Energy System Company Limited (ICON) and SZ Highpower�� wholly owned subsidiary Ganzhou Highpower Technology Company Limited (Ganzhou Highpower).

The Company�� Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are solutions for many applications. The Company�� Ni-MH rechargeable batteries offer capacity and energy density. As a result, users can expect a longer time between charges and longer running time. The Company�� Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are available in both cylindrical and prismatic shapes. The Company produces Li-ion batteries and Li-polymer batteries with hundreds of different models and specifications. As of December 31 2011, the Company produced an average of 1,520,000 lithium battery units per month.

The Company�� batteries fall into two main categories, such as consumer batteries and industrial batteries. The Company�� consumer batteries category produces Ni-MH and lithium batteries, which offers power capacity, allowing for longer working time and shortened charging time during equivalent working periods. The Company produces A, AA and AAA sized batteries in blister packing, as well as chargers and battery packs. The Company�� industrial batteries are designed for electric bikes, power tools and electric toys. They are specifically designed for high-drain discharge applications.

The Comp! any competes with SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., Panasonic, BYD Company Ltd., GPI International, Ltd., GS Yuasa Corporation, Desay Corp., Coslight Group, Tianjin Lishen Battery Co. Ltd. and ATL.

Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Google Inc.(GOOG)

Google Inc. maintains an index of Web sites and other online content for users, advertisers, and Google network members and other content providers. It offers AdWords, an auction-based advertising program; AdSense program, which enables Web sites that are part of the Google Network to deliver ads from its AdWords advertisers; Google Display, a display advertising network that comprises the videos, text, images, and other interactive ads; DoubleClick Ad Exchange, a real-time auction marketplace for the trading of display ad space; and YouTube that provides video, interactive, and other ad formats for advertisers. The company also provides Google Mobile that optimizes Google?s applications for mobile devices in browser and downloadable form; and enables advertisers to run search ad campaigns on mobile devices, as well as Google Local that provides local information on the Web; and Google Boost for small businesses to participate in the ads auction. In addition, it offers And roid, an open source mobile software platform; Google Chrome OS, an open source operating system; Google Chrome, a Web browser; Google TV, a platform for the consumers to use the television and the Internet on a single screen; and Google Books platform to discover, search, and consume content from printed books online. Further, the company provides Google Apps, a cloud computing suite of message and collaboration tools, which includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Sites; Google Search Appliance that offers real-time search of business and intranet applications, and public Web sites; Google Site Search, a custom search engine; Google Commerce Search for online retail enterprises; Google Checkout to make online shopping and payments streamlined and secure; Google Maps Application Programming Interface; and Google Earth Enterprise, a firewall software solution for imagery and data visualization. Google Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By David Eller]

    With Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) being the king of search, we wanted to start there. Google still has approximately 67% of the online search market. In the past this had been more than 70%, but its dominance is still very much present. What is transforming Google is its Android operating system for smartphones and tablets, and now for little netbooks, on the heels of its Motorola buyout. Google shares bounced handily after a disappointing earnings report and fears about the online ad market, even after the mobile ad cannibalization, have so far been seriously overblown. Shares are now near a 52-week high again, and Wall St. remains very favorable, even with leadership questions being present.

    Google shares trade around $735, with a $214 billion market cap and with a 52-week trading range of $556.62 to $774.38. Analysts have a consensus value of just over $800.00, for upside of only about 9%. Google trades at close to 16-times its expected 2013 earnings.

  • [By Holly LaFon] Google Inc. is the search engine company founded in 1998 that has expanded to offer dozens of advertising and web services. Since going public in 2004, its stock has increased 485% to $633.98 per share on Monday. It has never had a stock split or paid a dividend.

    Google has also grown rapidly. Its revenue per share over the last 10 years has increased at an annual rate of 52.3%, EBITDA at 51.9%, free cash flow at 64.8% and book value at 74.8%.Its P/E ratio is 20.

    The company is also launching its 7-inch Nexus table in May to compete with Apple�� iPad and Amazon�� Kind Fire and is in the process of the biggest revamp of its Internet search formula in company history.

    Google has an expressed long-term focus in its business, rather than quarter-to-quarter goals, as stated in its IPO letter which quotes Warren Buffett. The company�� higher stock price may help discourage frequent trading and encourage high-quality shareholders, as Buffett has mentioned in the past.

    Priceline.com (PCLN)

    Priceline.com Inc. is an online travel booking company that debuted on the Nasdaq in 1999. In the last five years its stock increased 1,248%. Priceline.com�� stock price cratered to under $10 after the dot-com bubble and driven it up to almost $1,000. In 2003 it announced a 1 for 6 reverse stock split.

    "This reverse stock split enhances our position by expanding investor interest, reducing transaction costs for trading our stock, making our results more comparable to peer companies with far fewer outstanding shares, and allowing priceline.com's earnings per share on a post-split basis to more precisely reflect the Company's operating results," said priceline.com President and CEO Jeffery H. Boyd.

    On Monday it had climbed to $696.93 per share and its financial results have been strong and growing once again. Revenue in 2011 was $4.4 billion from $3 billion in 2010, earnings increased to $1.1 billion from $528 billion and free cash flow increased to $1.3 billion from $! 755 million. The company also has over $2.7 billion in cash, $164 in long-term liabilities and no debt.

    The stock has become expensive in the last several years and has a P/E of 30.3.

    NVR Inc. (NVR)

Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Intrepid Mines Ltd (IAU.AX)

Intrepid Mines Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and development of precious metal properties in Indonesia. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, and copper. It principally holds 80% interest in the Tujuh Bukit project that consists of 2 tenements covering a total area of 11,621.45 hectares located in southeast Java, Indonesia. The company was formerly known as NuStar Mining Corporation Limited and changed its name to Intrepid Mines Limited as result of its merger with Intrepid Minerals Corporation in July 2006. Intrepid Minerals Limited was incorporated in 1993 and is based in Spring Hill, Australia.

Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Findel Plc(FDL.L)

Findel plc operates as a multi channel retailer in the business-to-consumer and business-to-business marketplaces in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. The company operates in five segments: Express Gifts, Kleeneze, Kitbag, Education Supplies, and Healthcare. The Express Gifts segment engages in direct mail order businesses in the U.K., offering online and via catalogue a range of home and leisure items, clothing, toys, and gifts. The Kleeneze supplies household, and health and beauty products to customers through a network of independent distributors in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. The Kitbag segment is involved in the retail of sports leisurewear and official football kits both through its own online operation, kitbag.com, as well as through various partnership relationships with football clubs and other sports organizations, managing a range of retail, online, and/or mail order channels. The Education Supplies segment offers product that support curriculum s ubjects to schools and other educational establishments. This segment also supplies furniture and audio visual equipment, as well as commodity products, such as stationery and janitorial materials through its printed catalogue and through various e-procurement solutions. The Healthcare segment provides outsourced integrated community equipment services to trusts and local authorities. This segment also supplies a range of rehabilitation and care equipment to the public and private sectors through its catalogue and Internet. The company was formerly known as Fine Art Developments Limited and changed its name to Findel plc in 2000. Findel plc was founded in 1955 and is based in Hyde, the United Kingdom.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Homebuilders: Headed for a Fall?

Home builders are bouncing back today after Friday’s rout. Opinions are divided over the bounce is just a prelude to another fall.

Sam Hodgson

Toll Brothers (TOL) has gained 1.6% to $31.70, KB Home (KBH) has risen 1.4% to $16.67 and Lennar (LEN) has advanced 1.1% to $32.95. The Ryland Group (RYL) has jumped 1.9% to $35.52 and PulteGroup (PHM) is up 0.8% at $16.19.

Today’s bounce appears to confirm Barclays strategist Barry Knapp’s observation on Friday about the sector–that it’s not a good time to be short. He writes:

Based on an our outlook for rates, short positions in cyclically leveraged rate sensitivities, which have already reacted to concerns the Fed is removing the punch bowl too soon—for example homebuilders—based purely on expectations of higher rates offers a weak risk/reward scenario. The disorderly move higher in rates should be behind us and although rates are biased higher, this should be in concert with improved economic conditions and rising risk assets. While valuations for builders still have wood to chop, conditions could align that make these stocks outperformers in 2014.

Susquehanna’s head of derivative strategy Trevor Mottl, however, recommends betting against the sector with options on the iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) following Friday’s big drop in new home sales. He writes:

Since the summer of 2010, shares of ITB…have broadly followed changes in new, single family home sales. Following Friday's lackluster new home sales for July (394k versus estimates of 387k and a revision down for June to 455k from 497k, SAAR), we look at ways to establish downside exposure to home builders.

July's data marks the largest one month decline in new home sales since the -41% move in May of 2010. While new home sales data tends to be moderately volatile with an average 12m rolling volatility of 27.6% over the past three years, July's 14% decline is a significant move.

The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF has gained 1.5% to $21.38 today.

Monday, September 2, 2013

SEC Full Funding Boost Request Goes Bust

SEC logoThe Securities and Exchange Commission is set to get $303 million less than what it was requesting under the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2014 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, released Tuesday.

The bill, to be considered in subcommittee Wednesday, includes $1.4 billion for the SEC, which is a $50 million increase from its fiscal 2013 budget but $303 million less than President Barack Obama requested.

SEC Chairwoman Mary Jo White told the appropriations committee in early May that the agency’s $1.67 billion budget request for fiscal 2014 would help it fulfill one of its top priorities: to add 250 examiners for advisors.

The 250 examiners, White said, would increase the proportion of advisors examined each year, the rate of first-time examinations, and the examination coverage of investment advisors and newly registered private fund advisors.

The $1.67 billion budget request under Obama’s budget is a 27% increase, or $353 million, over the $1.32 billion provided by the continuing resolution (CR) the SEC was operating under this year.

Rep. José Serrano, D-N.Y., ranking member on the subcommittee, noted during the early May hearing that while it would be an “unwise investment choice” for the subcommittee to cut funding for the agency that’s the “cop on the beat” for Wall Street and that ensures “a fair playing field” for the nation’s markets, he told White that “further cuts” were likely.

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Check out SEC’s White Gets Short Shrift from Congress.