By Michael Vallo
Few assets are more widely hated than gold. Over the past three years the price has fallen from over $1,900 an ounce to a recent $1,195, and with a strengthening dollar, virtually no inflation, and interest rate hikes on the horizon, the future doesn�� look bright for the shiny metal. Which makes it an interesting investment.
Bloomberg News��or a contrarian you can�� find a sector that is more out of favor right now than gold,��says Joe Foster, manager of the Van Eck International Investors Gold Fund (INIVX). The former geologist expects volatility to continue for the next few months, but with seemingly every headwind already pushing on the price of gold, it might take little to spark a rally.
One possible catalyst is a Swiss referendum on Nov. 30 that would force the Swiss central bank to bolster its gold reserves, though a recent poll suggests the odds are against its passing. Barron�� technical analyst Michael Kahn recently made a bullish case for gold.
Hot Quality Stocks To Own For 2015: The NASDAQ OMX Group Inc.(NDAQ)
The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. provides trading, clearing, exchange technology, securities listing, and public company services worldwide. It offers trading across various asset classes, including cash equities, derivatives, debt, commodities, structured products, and exchange traded funds; capital formation solutions; financial services and exchanges technology; market data products; and financial indexes, as well as clearing, settlement, and depository services. The company also provides broker services comprising technology and customized securities administration solutions, such as back-office systems to financial participants. In addition, it offers global listing services; technology solutions for trading, clearing, settlement, and information dissemination; and facility management integration, surveillance solutions, and advisory services, as well as develops and licenses NASDAQ OMX branded indexes, associated derivatives, and financial products. As of December 31, 2010 , a total of 2,778 companies listed securities on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The NASDAQ OMX Group supports the operations of approximately 70 exchanges, clearing organizations, and central securities depositories. The company was formerly known as The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. and changed its name to The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. in February 2008. The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. was founded in 1971 and is based in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Nina Mehta]
CEOs of the three largest U.S. stock market operators told the SEC on April 9 that it�� time to drive more trading back toward exchanges and away from brokers. NYSE Euronext (NYX)�� Duncan Niederauer, along with Bob Greifeld of Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. (NDAQ) and Joe Ratterman of Bats Global Markets Inc., said too much off- exchange activity hurts the so-called price discovery process, making prices less reflective of buy and sell interest, according to a presentation published on the SEC website in connecting with the meeting.
- [By Steven Russolillo]
Each Monday, MoneyBeat publishes a short column in the WSJ print edition highlighting a statistic getting traction in the markets. This week’s���ig Number���s 51, the number of dividend payers among the 100 biggest Nasdaq(NDAQ)-listed companies.
- [By Tim Brugger]
In a statement filed Wednesday with the SEC, NASDAQ OMX (NASDAQ: NDAQ ) CEO Robert Greifeld said, in part, "Prior to May 18, 2012, NASDAQ had conducted more than a hundred IPOs using the same or similarly designed systems, without incident. While we prepared extensively for the Facebook initial public offering, including thorough tests of our systems with member firms, the challenges we encountered that day were unprecedented." He went on to outline the steps NASDAQ has taken to address problems and said "We recognize that the cornerstone of a market is investor confidence. As such, our mission remains: developing the best technology, and operating the most reliable and efficient marketplaces in the world -- every day."
10 Best Heal Care Stocks To Invest In 2014: LoJack Corporation(LOJN)
LoJack Corporation provides technology products and services for the tracking and recovery of mobile assets, stolen vehicles, motorcycles, construction equipment, cargo, and people at risk. It offers LoJack Unit, a LoJack System component that consists of a high frequency transponder with a hidden antenna, microprocessor, and power supply, as well as a set of codes unique to the unit; and LoJack Early Warning Unit, an optional component that provides notification to vehicle owners in the event of unauthorized user operating the vehicle. The company also licenses LoJack for Laptops, a system to recover the stolen computers; and LoJack InTransit, a cargo and tracking recovery solution. In addition, it provides LoJack SafetyNet system, which comprises a personal locator unit, a search and rescue receiver used by public safety agencies. The company markets its products to owners of commercial equipment and to consumers through its sales force, telemarketing representatives, di rect mail, and automobile dealers. It operates in the United States, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean countries, Canada, and Europe. LoJack Corporation was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Wallace Witkowski]
Shares of LoJack Corp. (LOJN) �surged 20% to $5.30 on moderate volume after the car-security-system company said an arbitration panel dismissed claims by a Brazilian licensee over a contract dispute.
10 Best Heal Care Stocks To Invest In 2014: Cheniere Energy Partners LP (CQP)
Citigroup Funding Inc. offers debt instruments that include commercial papers, medium-term notes and structured equity-linked and credit-linked notes. Citigroup Funding, Inc. is based in United States. Citigroup Funding Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Eric Volkman]
Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSEMKT: CQP ) is keeping its payout level for now. The partnership has declared a distribution of $0.425 per common unit, to be paid on August 14 to holders of record as of August 1. That amount is in line with nearly all of Cheniere Energy Partners' previous distributions stretching back to August 2007. The only exception is its first payout of $0.028, which was handed out in May 2007.
10 Best Heal Care Stocks To Invest In 2014: Portugal Telecom SGPS S.A .(PT)
Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Portugal, Brazil, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. It offers fixed line telephone, Internet protocol television, and direct-to-home satellite pay-TV services; and mobile telecommunications services, such as voice, data, and Internet-related multi-media services primarily for mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, and laptops. The company also provides enterprise services, including data and business solutions, as well as information technology/information system and business process outsourcing services. In addition, it provides engineering solutions and training services in telecommunications; postal network services; consultant negotiation services; public telecommunication services and telebroadcasting services; call center services; mobile cellular services; and development and consultancy services in the areas of electronic commerce, contents, telecommunications, and info rmation technology. Further, it engages in the purchase, management, administration, sale, and investment consultancy of real estate properties; business advisory board service installment, consultation, administration, and business management; and pension fund management,. Additionally, the company provides wholesale services comprising leased lines, interconnection, unbundled access to its local loops, broadband asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), wholesale line rental, access to ducts, transmission of television and radio signals, and international carrier services. The company also publishes directories; provides portal services; and sells telecommunications equipment. As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately 4.9 million telephone and ADSL access lines in service. The company was formerly known as Portugal Telecom, SA and changed its name to Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. in December 2000. Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. was founded in 1994 and is based in Lisbon, Portugal.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Anna Prior]
American depositary shares of Portugal Telecom (PT) SGPS SA tumble premarket amid criticism from Brazil’s state development bank BNDES relating to an investment by the telecommunications group in debt issued by Espirito Santo International. Shares fell 6.1% to $2.79 premarket.
- [By Brian Pacampara]
Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, telecommunications company Portugal Telecom (NYSE: PT ) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.
10 Best Heal Care Stocks To Invest In 2014: HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)
HCA Holdings, Inc. (HCA), incorporated in January 1990, is a holding company whose affiliates owns and operates hospitals and related health care entities. HCA is a health care services companies in the United States. At December 31, 2011, it operated 163 hospitals, comprised of 157 general, acute care hospitals; five psychiatric hospitals, and one rehabilitation hospital. In addition, it operated 108 freestanding surgery centers. Its operations are structured into three geographically organized groups: the National, Southwest and Central Groups. At December 31, 2011, the National Group includes 64 hospitals located in Florida, South Carolina, southern Georgia, Alaska, California, Nevada, Utah and Idaho, the Southwest Group includes 46 hospitals located in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and the Wichita, Kansas market, and the Central Group includes 47 hospitals located in Louisiana, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, New Hampshire, northern Georgia and the Kansas City market. The Company also operates six hospitals in England, and these facilities are included in the Corporate and other group. Its facilities are located in 20 states and England. During October 2011, the Company completed its acquisition of the Colorado Health Foundation�� (Foundation).In December 2011, it sold Palmyra Medical Center in Albany, Ga.
The Company�� general, acute care hospitals typically provide a range of services to accommodate such medical specialties as internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and obstetrics, as well as diagnostic and emergency services. Outpatient and ancillary health care services are provided by its general, acute care hospitals, freestanding surgery centers, diagnostic centers and rehabilitation facilities. Its psychiatric hospitals provide a full range of mental health care services through inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient settings.
The Company owns, manages or operates hospitals; freestanding surgery cente! rs; diagnostic and imaging centers; radiation and oncology therapy centers; rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, and various other facilities. At December 31, 2011, it owned and operated 157 general, acute care hospitals with 40,988 licensed beds. Most of its general, acute care hospitals provide medical and surgical services, including inpatient care, intensive care, cardiac care, diagnostic services and emergency services. The general, acute care hospitals also provide outpatient services such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology and physical therapy. At December 31, 2011, it operated five psychiatric hospitals with 506 licensed beds. Its psychiatric hospitals provide therapeutic programs including child, adolescent and adult psychiatric care, adult and adolescent alcohol and drug abuse treatment and counseling.
The Company also operates outpatient health care facilities, which include freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), freestanding emergency care facilities, diagnostic and imaging centers, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, outpatient radiation and oncology therapy centers and various other facilities. Most of its ASCs are operated through partnerships or limited liability companies, with majority ownership of each partnership or Limited Liability Company typically held by a general partner or subsidiary that is an affiliate of HCA. Certain of its affiliates provide a variety of management services to its health care facilities, including patient safety programs; ethics and compliance programs; national supply contracts; equipment purchasing and leasing contracts; accounting, financial and clinical systems; governmental reimbursement assistance; construction planning and coordination; information technology systems and solutions; legal counsel; human resources services; and internal audit services. Under the Medicare program, it receives reimbursement under a prospective payment system (PPS) ! for gener! al, acute care hospital inpatient services.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Garrett Cook]
HCA Holdings (NYSE: HCA) shares were also up, gaining 10.32 percent to $60.91 after the company lifted its 2014 earnings forecast.
Equities Trading DOWN
- [By Sean Williams]
The biggest concern for hospital operators is doubtful account provisions. These bad debt write-offs stem from patients who are uninsured and need treatment, but who are unable to pay the bill. Unlike insurers, hospital operators can't turn away patients in need of treatment, which means they can eat quite a bit of treatment revenue each year. HCA Holdings (NYSE: HCA ) and Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC ) , the two largest hospital operators in the U.S., know this all too well. In 2012, HCA wrote off nearly $3.8 billion in revenue because of patients' inability to pay, a tad more than 10% of its full-year revenue, while Tenet's doubtful account provision totaled $785 million, or nearly 8% of its total revenue. This doubtful account revenue is the main drag on hospital expansion.
- [By Keith Speights]
Governor Scott is a former executive with HCA Holdings (NYSE: HCA ) . Although HCA is based in Tennesse, it operates more than 70 hospitals and surgery centers throughout Florida.�
- [By Garrett Cook]
HCA Holdings (NYSE: HCA) shares were also up, gaining 9.84 percent to $60.64 after the company lifted its 2014 earnings forecast.
Equities Trading DOWN
10 Best Heal Care Stocks To Invest In 2014: ZipRealty Inc.(ZIPR)
ZipRealty, Inc., a residential real estate brokerage company, provides brokerage services to buyers and sellers in the United States. The company, through its Website ziprealty.com, provides access to Multiple Listing Services (MLS) home listings data, including pictures from the local MLSs; and allows consumers to receive an automatic email notification each time a property that meets their desired search criteria, is made available on the local MLSs. Its Website also offers neighborhood data, such as population, comparable home sales, average income, education level, occupation mix, cost of living, crime statistics, weather, school district information, maps, and driving directions; online images and virtual tours; schedule visits; and home offers. In addition, the company operates ZAP, a Web-based agent platform and customer relationship management system integrated to its Website. Its ZAP integrates and records consumer contact information and Website behavior, agent b ehavior, and transaction information into a common platform; and records relevant consumer behavior, such as logon frequency and times, specific homes viewed and printed, searches made by clients, requested visits to view homes, and online offers, as well as captures and stores agent activities, including agent email communications organized by clients. The company offers its services through its agents in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. ZipRealty, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is based in Emeryville, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Shaun Currie, CFA]
ZipRealty (ZIPR) is a company that meets 5 of the 6 criteria listed above. The stock has fallen out of favor over the last several years as performance declined during the recession. The company has completed a major restructuring and recently returned to positive EBITDA margins. Operations of the company are further supported by a pickup in home sales in the US. There has also been significant insider buying over the past month, and the company trades at a deep discount to its competition. I believe the stock has at least 60% upside from its current price.
10 Best Heal Care Stocks To Invest In 2014: Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (REFG)
Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions, incorporated on December 1, 2005, is a provider of integrated supply and distribution technology. The Company�� Seed-to-Sale (S2S) integrated solution is a management and compliance technology for growers, caregivers and dispensaries in the market. The Company also works with public officials and government agencies to expand the acceptance of medicinal cannabis, and the adoption of a legal framework where maximum market expansion is possible. The Company solves the fragmentation problem by identifying tools that are important to dispensaries, and customizing those tools specifically catered to the industry. The Company's solutions include Spark, Ghost and S2S.
Spark
The Company�� SPARK Hosted Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provides customers with enterprise-class hosted phone systems customized to fit customers��needs. SPARK's service is a fully-managed, cloud-based system. The Company offers the convenience of an online Internet Protocol (IP)-based telecommunications system while still delivering substantial savings to customers bottom line.
Ghost
By offering customers a customized, tailored mobile solution, the Company's Ghost Mobile Apps give a marketing tool with a texting and e-mail solution, keeping customers in constant contact with patients and clients. The Company creates an optimized experience in context to each device or screen size.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Fresh Start Private Management Inc (OTCMKTS: CEYY), 7 Star Entertainment Inc (OTCMKTS: SAEE) and Refill Energy, Inc (OTCMKTS: REFG) have been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters thanks to paid promotions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a properly disclosed promotional or investor relations campaign, but unwary investors or traders could find themselves in trouble if they are not careful. So do these three small caps have what it takes to remain hot? Here is a quick reality check before you invest or trade:
- [By Peter Graham]
What�� the Catch With Alternative Energy Partners Inc? According to various disclosures, no transactions have occurred to mention Alternative Energy Partners in various investment newsletters and there is no recent news from the company. In fact, the most recent press release from Alternative Energy Partners dates from September to announce the launch of the beta version of http://www.pharmajanes.com ��its website for delivery of medical marijuana products. As of September, the PharmaJanes beta platform was only available online with the mobile application set to follow after the official launch of the online platform. Otherwise and according to the latest Form 10-Q filed on December 23rd, the company agreed to acquire the PharmaJanesTM marketing operation from iEquity Corp. back in May 2013 and will be changing its business model to focus purely in the medical marijuana marketing space. In addition, AEGY will be changing its name to PharmaJanes, Inc. Otherwise, someone by the name of Mario Barrera currently serves as Chairman, President and CEO and sole officer and the company has no paid employees ��relying instead on paid consultants to provide necessary services. A look at Alternative Energy Partners��financials reveals revenues of zero (most recent reported quarter), ��3k, $1k and $1k for the past four quarters along not income of $230k (most recent reported quarter) and net losses of $2,954k, $51k and $452k. At the end of October, Alternative Energy Partners had $2,031k in current liabilities and $237k in long term debt. So while investors or traders got a high on Monday (and last Friday as well), it does not look like a sustainable high.
Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTCMKTS: REFG) Wants to Provide Bank and Payment Accessibility to Marijuana DispensariesSmall cap Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions��mission is to provide end-to-end management, across multiple management systems, for medicinal marijuan
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