Netflix tests cheaper subscription as Amazon looms

SAN FRANCISCO -- Netflix is testing a cheaper subscription for new customers as the online video company prepares for what will likely be another competitive onslaught from Amazon.com in 2014.

Netflix, the biggest video streaming service, is offering a $6.99 per month plan that lets people watch on only one screen at a time. The company's basic streaming service currently costs $7.99 a month and lets customers watch on two screens at the same time.

The new offer, which was posted on the company's website, is part of a broader set of subscriptions for new customers based on how many screens they use to access the service. Prices start at $6.99 and go up to $11.99 for viewing Netflix on as many as four screens simultaneously.

Netflix is trying to increase the revenue it gets from subscriptions to help it buy more licenses to stream movies and TV shows and pay for the creation of its own content, such as 2013 shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black.

10 Best US Stocks To Own Right Now

The company is also competing with Amazon.com, which has a video streaming service that is included in its Prime subscription, which offers free two-day shipping for $79 a year in the U.S.

"The new plan likely has at least two goals: 1. Attract the more value conscious consumer. 2. To more effectively compete with Amazon Prime," Arvind Bhatia, an analyst at Sterne Agee, wrote in a note to investors Tuesday.

For $79 a year, Amazon Prime subscribers get free access to the Prime Instant Video streaming service for effectively $6.67 a month.

"While the lower price could attract new subscribers, it could also somewhat cannibalize current subscribers given how easy it is to cancel and re-signup for the service," Bhatia said.

The move may also weaken Netflix's ability to raise prices in the future, which is an important part of the long-term bull thesis on the stock and is needed to ! offset rising content costs, he added.

Netflix shares slipped $1.23 to $365.76 on Tuesday. Amazon shares climbed $3.45 to $396.82.

Best Solar Stocks To Watch Right Now

Best Solar Stocks To Watch Right Now: Renesola Ltd.(SOL)

ReneSola Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of solar wafers and solar power products. It offers virgin polysilicons, monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar wafers, and photovoltaic cells and modules. The company also provides cell and module processing services. Its products are used in a range of residential, commercial, industrial, and other solar power generation systems. The company sells its solar wafers primarily to solar cell and module manufacturers. It principally operates in Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, India, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, the Czech Republic, and the United States. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Jiashan, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Claudia Assis]

  Top gainers in the solar sector included SolarCity Corp. (SCTY) , with shares up 0.8%. U.S.-listed shares of ReneSola Ltd. (SOL)  rose 3.1%.

• [By Lauren Pollock var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach]

  Chinese solar-products company Renesola Ltd.(SOL) on Monday said it had appointed Daniel Lee as its chief financial officer, effective May 5. Mr. Lee will take over for Henry Wang, who is resigning May 4 for personal reasons, the company said.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-solar-stocks-to-watch-right-now-2.html

Best Recreation Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. all have November ballot measure initiatives regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana, passage of which would put them in the same company as Colorado and Washington state.

While time will tell for certain whether voters will embrace legalization of the wacky weed, the "pro" side of the question has emerged as much more vocal ��and well-financed ��than the "con" side, with high-profile and moneyed supporters working tirelessly to ensure the passage of Measure 91, Oregon's legal pot initiative.

Billionaires and celebrities weigh in
In the two years since Oregon voted down a legalized-pot measure, the two dominant pro-legalization groups, Drug Policy Action, and New Approach PAC, have been building their support base and padding their financial coffers. The first alliance sharpened its skills on the successful efforts in Colorado and Washington state, making good use of the large cash donations of hedge fund founder and philanthropist George Soros.

Top 10 Quality Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Manchester United PLC (MANU)

Manchester United plc, formerly Manchester United Ltd., incorporated on April 30, 2012, is engaged in the operations of professional sports team. It provides manchester united a platform to generate revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and matchday. The Company had three principal sectors: Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday.

Commercial

Within the Commercial revenue sector, the Company had three revenue streams which include sponsorship revenue; retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing revenue; and new media and mobile revenue. Retail, Merchandising, Apparel and Product Licensing, it markets and sells sports apparel, training and leisure wear and other clothing featuring the Manchester United brand on a global basis. In addition, it also sells other licensed products, from coffee mugs to bed spreads, featuring the Manchester United brand and trademarks. These products are distributed through Manchester United branded retail centers and e-commerce platforms, as well as its partners' wholesale distribution channels.

The Company retails, merchandizes, apparel & product licensing business is managed by Nike, who pays it a minimum guaranteed amount and a share of the business' cumulative profits. It has formed mobile telecom partnerships in 44 countries. In addition, it markets content directly to its followers through its Website, www.manutd.com, and associated mobile properties.

Broadcasting

The Company generates revenue from distribution and broadcasting of live football content. Broadcasting revenue is derived from the global television rights relating to the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions. In addition, its global television channel, MUTV, delivers Manchester United programming to 54 countries around the world. Broadcasting includes all revenue covering domestic and international television and radio rights. Broadc! asting revenue including, in some cases, prize money received by it in respect of the various competitions.

Matchday

The Company generates revenue during the matchday from the Old Trafford, a sports venue.

Other Matchday revenue includes matchday catering, event parking, program sales as well as membership and travel, Manchester United Museum revenue and a share of the ticket revenue from away matches in domestic cup competitions. Matchday revenue also includes revenue from other events hosted at Old Trafford, including other sporting events (including football matches as part of the London 2012 Olympic Games and the annual Rugby Super League Grand Final), music concerts and entertainment events.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Manchester United (NYSE: MANU  ) will have to make its way forward with a new manager. Sir Alex Ferguson announced that he will retire at the end of the current season, vacating his position after the celebrated English football (soccer) club's match with West Bromwich Albion on May 19.

• [By Mark Thompson]

  Under the deal with Manchester United (MANU), Adidas will provide uniforms for all the club's teams from the 2015 - 2016 season. Adidas will also be the exclusive worldwide distributor of Manchester United branded merchandise.

• [By WWW.GURUFOCUS.COM]

  Manchester United plc (MANU) is an English Premier League professional sports team. The business has three principal segments: Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is now the second most popular sport among the 12-24 age group in the U.S. Manchester United is a global brand, with a proven history of success, having won 12 of the last 20 Premier League Titles. It is the most popular soccer team in the world, with over 600 million fans! The company is positioned to benefit from greater broadcast fees and higher sponsorship and merchandising revenue, generating substantially more cash flow. We think of Manchester United as the most popular television program in the world that has not yet monetized the value of its brand. (Ashim Mehra)

Best Recreation Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Digital Cinema Destinations Corp (DCIN)

Digital Cinema Destinations Corp., incorporated on July 29, 2010, operates eight theatres and 73 screens located in Westfield, New Jersey (Rialto), Cranford, New Jersey (Cranford), Bloomfield, Connecticut (the Bloomfield 8) and five theatres located in central Pennsylvania (Cinema Centers). During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company operates eight theatres, two in New Jersey, with a total of 11 screens, one in Connecticut, with a total of 8 screens and five in central Pennsylvania, with a total of 54 screens. In March 2014, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of a seven screen theater in Churchville, MD from Flagship Cinemas.

The Rialto is a six-screen theatre located in downtown Westfield, New Jersey, which has a population of approximately 30,000 people. The Bloomfield 8 is an eight-screen theatre located at the Wintonbury Mall in the town of Bloomfield, Connecticut, which is a New England town of over 20,000 people that is home to many sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places and is approximately 5.5 miles from downtown Hartford, Connecticut. Cinema Centers consists of a chain of five theatres with 54 screens located throughout central Pennsylvania. All of the Cinema Centers theatres are in free zones. The 11-screen Cinema Center of Bloomsburg theatre is located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Bloomsburg, a college town of approximately 13,000 people, is located midway between Wilkes Barre and Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The 12-screen Cinema Center of Camp Hill theatre is located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, just outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Harrisburg is the state capital of Pennsylvania with a population of approximately 50,000 people.

The 10-screen Cinema Center at Fairgrounds Square Mall is located in Reading, Pennsylvania. The Company�� Cinema Centers, had one digital projector, RealD 3D enabled. The 12-screen Cinema Center at Selinsgrove is located in Selinsgove, Pennsylvania. Selinsgrove is ! a historic town located on the Susquehanna River with a population of approximately 27,000 people located within five miles of the theatre. The nine-screen Cinema Center of Williamsport is located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The Company competes with Regal Entertainment Group, AMC Entertainment Inc., Clearview and Cinemark USA, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Erin McCarthy]

  Carmike Cinemas Inc.(CKEC), the nation’s fourth-largest movie theater chain, said Thursday it is acquiring Digital Cinema Destinations Corp.(DCIN), a smaller rival that does business as Digiplex.

Best Recreation Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Bowl America Inc (BWL.A)

Bowl America Incorporated, incorporated in July 22, 1958, is engaged in the entertainment business. The Company operates in one segment. Its principal source of revenue consists of fees charged for the use of bowling lanes and other facilities and from the sale of food and beverages for consumption on the premises. Merchandise sales, including food and beverages, were approximately 30% of operating revenues. The balance of operating revenues (approximately 70%) represents fees for bowling and related services. During the fiscal year ended July, 1 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries operated 19 bowling centers. These 19 bowling centers contain a total of 756 lanes. As of September 1, 2012 the Company and its subsidiaries operated 10 bowling centers in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., one bowling center in the metropolitan area of Baltimore, Maryland, one bowling center in Orlando, Florida, three bowling centers in the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, Florida, and four bowling centers in the metropolitan area of Richmond, Virginia.

These establishments are air-conditioned with facilities for service of food and beverages, game rooms, rental lockers, and meeting room facilities. All centers provide shoes for rental, and bowling balls are provided free. In addition, each center retails bowling accessories. Most locations are equipped for glow-in-the-dark bowling, popular for parties and non-league bowling. The bowling equipment essential for the Company's operation is readily available. Two of the Company's bowling centers are located in leased premises, and the remaining seventeen centers are owned by the Company.

The Company competes with Brunswick Corporation and AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Fredrik Arnold]

  The balance of the top ten included one technology firm, AT&T Inc. (T) in fourth place; one consumer goods, Altria Group Inc. (MO), placed fifth; Bowl America Class A (BWL.A) in seventh place was the lone service dog. Two utilities, Northwest Natural Gas (NWN), and Consolidated Edison (ED), in ninth and tenth places completed the representation of market sectors in the champions index.

Best Recreation Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Performance Sports Group Ltd (PSG)

Performance Sports Group Ltd, formerly Bauer Performance Sports Ltd., designs, develops, manufactures and sells performance sports equipment and accessories for ice hockey, roller hockey, lacrosse, baseball and softball, as well as related apparel, including soccer apparel. Its products are marketed under the BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE, COMBAT and INARIA brand names. The ice hockey products include skates, skate blades, protective gear, sticks, team apparel and accessories. The roller hockey products include skates, protective gear and accessories. Its products are available in over 45 countries through a network of more than 3,700 distributors. The Company has associations with many of the hockey, lacrosse, baseball and softball organizations, including the NHL, CHL, Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, IIHF, NCAA, Ivy League, Big East Conference, US Lacrosse, International Lacrosse Federation, USSSA, ASA, NPF, NSA Canada, Softball USA, Softball Canada, USA Baseball, ISA and ISF. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  The Q3 2014 earnings report for small cap golf stock Callaway Golf Co (NYSE: ELY), a potential peer of sporting goods or sporting equipment stocks like Toronto listed�Performance Sports Group Ltd (NYSE: PSG) and Johnson Outdoors Inc (NASDAQ: JOUT), is scheduled for after the market closes on Thursday (October 23rd). Aside from the Callaway Golf earnings report, it should be said that Performance Sports Group Ltd reported Q1 2015 on October 9th (revenues were up 28% to $197.1 million) while the estimated release date for the Q4 2014 Johnson Outdoors Inc earnings report is�October 31st. However, Callaway Golf is the last publicly traded�pure play golf equipment stock�giving investors direct exposure to the game���especially since Dicks Sporting Goods Inc (NYSE: DKS)�recently took a $20.4 million pretax golf restructuring charge and plans to focus more attention on other sports.

Best Recreation Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Dover Motorsports Inc (DVD)

Dover Motorsports, Inc. is a marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owned and operated Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tennessee. During the year ended 2011, the Company�� facilities promoted 10 events under the auspices of the sanctioning body, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). During 2011, the Company promoted 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, 4 NASCAR Nationwide Series events, 3 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events, and 1 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event.. On January 31, 2011, the Company sold its Memphis Motorsports Park facility.

Dover International Speedway

The Company has promoted NASCAR-sanctioned racing events at Dover International Speedway. As of December 31, 2011, it promoted six NASCAR-sanctioned events at the facility annually. Two races are in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series professional stock car racing circuit, two races are in the NASCAR Nationwide Series racing circuit, one race is in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series racing circuit and one race is in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East racing circuit. Each of the NASCAR Nationwide Series events and the Camping World Truck Series event at Dover International Speedway are conducted on the days before a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event. Dover International Speedway is one of only seven speedways in North America that presents two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events and two NASCAR Nationwide Series events each year. Additionally, it is one of only five tracks to host three NASCAR events at one facility on the same weekend.

Dover International Speedway, known as the Monster Mile, is a high-banked, one-mile, concrete superspeedway with permanent seating capacity of approximately 132,000. The superspeedway facility also features the Monster Bridge. The climate controlled bridge spans across the width of the superspeedway at a height of 29 feet ! and houses 50-luxury seats, a refreshment bar and other amenities.

Nashville Superspeedway

Nashville Superspeedway (Nashville) is a motorsports complex approximately 35 miles from downtown Nashville in Wilson County, Tennessee. The 1.33-mile concrete superspeedway has 25,000 permanent grandstand seats with an infrastructure in place to expand to 150,000 seats as demand requires. Additionally, construction included lights at the superspeedway to allow for nighttime racing and the foundation work for a dirt track, short track and drag strip. Nashville Superspeedway promoted two NASCAR Nationwide Series events and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event, during 2011. The facility also hosted other regional and national touring events, as well as track rentals.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By CRWE]

  Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE:DVD) Board of Directors today declared an annual cash dividend on both classes of common stock of $.04 per share. The dividend will be payable on December 10, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 10, 2012. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, we will evaluate dividends annually.

Best Recreation Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Mountain China Resorts Holding Ltd (MCG)

Mountain China Resorts (Holding) Limited (MCR) is a Canada-based investment holding company. The Company is a Mountain resort developer in the People�� Republic of China. The Company�� subsidiaries engaged in the development and operation of mountain resorts and provision of hotel services in the People's Republic of China. The Company holds 100% interest in Mountain China Resorts Investment Limited, which in turn holds 100% interest in Mountain China Resorts Limited. The Company owns and operates the ski resort in the People�� Republic of China, Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort in Heilongjiang Province. The Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort also has two luxury five star hotels, restaurants, spa, retail, and conference facilities. It holds 140 million square meters of land for commercial development purpose around the Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort. As of December 31, 2011, the Company�� resort real estate development project was at the Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ICRAOnline]

  Apart from the Data Center Group, Intel expects the Axxia deal to boost the performance of the other two segments ��Internet of Things Group (IoTG) and Mobile and Communications Group (MCG).

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014

It takes money to make money. Most investors know that, but with business media so focused on the "how much," very few investors bother to ask, "How fast?"

When judging a company's prospects, how quickly it turns cash outflows into cash inflows can be just as important as how much profit it's booking in the accounting fantasy world we call "earnings." This is one of the first metrics I check when I'm hunting for the market's best stocks. Today, we'll see how it applies to International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE: IFF  ) .

Let's break this down
In this series, we measure how swiftly a company turns cash into goods or services and back into cash. We'll use a quick, relatively foolproof tool known as the cash conversion cycle, or CCC for short.

Why does the CCC matter? The less time it takes a firm to convert outgoing cash into incoming cash, the more powerful and flexible its profit engine is. The less money tied up in inventory and accounts receivable, the more available to grow the company, pay investors, or both.

Best India Stocks For 2015: Delphi Automotive PLC (DLPH)

Delphi Automotive PLC (Delphi), incorporated on May 19, 2011, is a global vehicle components manufacturer and provides electrical and electronic, powertrain, safety and thermal technology solutions to the global automotive and commercial vehicle markets. As of December 31, 2012, the Company operated 126 manufacturing facilities and 15 technical centers utilizing a regional service model that enables it to serve its global customers. The Company operates through four segments: Electrical / Electronic Architecture; Powertrain Systems; Electronics and Safety and Thermal Systems. In October 2012, the Company acquired FCI Group�� Motorized Vehicles Division.

The Company�� Electrical / Electronic Architecture segment provides complete design of the vehicle�� electrical architecture, including connectors, wiring assemblies and harnesses, electrical centers and hybrid power distribution systems. Its Powertrain Systems segment provides systems integration of full end-to-end gasoline and diesel engine management systems, including fuel handling, fuel injection, combustion, electronic controls and test and validation capabilities. Its Electronics and Safety segment provides critical components, systems and advanced software for passenger safety, security, comfort and infotainment, as well as vehicle operation, including body controls, reception systems, infotainment and connectivity systems, hybrid vehicle power electronics, passive and active safety electronics, displays and mechatronics. Thermal Systems segment provides powertrain cooling and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as compressors, systems and controls, and heat exchangers for the vehicle markets.

Electrical/Electronic Architecture

The Company�� offers complete electrical/electronic architectures for its customer-specific needs. Connectors are engineered for use in the automotive and related markets, but also have applications in the aerospace, military and telematics sector! s. Electrical centers provide centralized electrical power and signal distribution and all of the associated circuit protection and switching devices, thereby optimizing the overall vehicle electrical system. Distribution systems are integrated into one optimized vehicle electrical system, which can utilize smaller cable and gauge sizes and ultra-thin wall insulation.

The Company competes with Lear Corporation, Leoni AG, Molex Inc, TE Connectivity, Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.

Powertrain Systems

The Company offers products for complete engine management systems (EMS) and other products to help optimize performance, emissions and fuel economy. The gasoline EMS portfolio features fuel injection and air/fuel control, valvetrain, ignition, sensors and actuators, transmission control products, and powertrain electronic control modules with software, algorithms and calibration. The diesel EMS product line offers common rail fuel and air injection system technologies. The Powertrain Systems segment also supplies integrated fuel handling systems for gasoline, diesel, flexfuel and biofuel configurations. It also includes diesel and automotive aftermarket and original equipment service in the Powertrain Systems segment.

The Company competes with BorgWarner Inc., Bosch Group, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd. and Magneti Marelli S.p.A.

Electronics and Safety

The Company offers a range of electronic and safety equipment in the areas of controls, security, infotainment, communications, safety systems and power electronics. Electronic controls products consist of body computers and security systems. Infotainment and driver interface portfolio consists of receivers, advanced reception systems, digital receivers, satellite audio receivers, navigation systems, displays and mechatronics. Safety electronics includes occupant detection systems, collision warning systems, advanced cruise control technologies a! nd collis! ion sensing. Electric and hybrid electric vehicle power electronics includes power modules, inverters and converters and battery packs.

The Company competes Autoliv AB, Bosch Group, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Harman International Industries and Panasonic Corporation.

Thermal Systems

The Company offers energy efficient thermal system and component solutions for the automotive market and continues to develop applications for the non-automotive market. Its automotive thermal products are designed to meet customers��needs for powertrain thermal management and cabin thermal comfort. Powertrain cooling products include condenser, radiator, fan module and charge air cooling heat exchangers assemblies. Climate control portfolio includes HVAC modules, with evaporator and heater core components, compressors and controls.

The Company competes with Denso Corporation, MAHLE Behr Industry, Sanden Corporation, Valeo Inc. and Visteon Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Morgan Stanley’s strategists are no fans of consumer sectors–staples or discretionary–but that doesn’t mean all consumers stocks are stinkers, as stocks like Delphi Automotive (DLPH) and Macy’s (M) look primed to shine.

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014: PowerShares S&P SmallCap Information Technology Portfolio (PSCT)

PowerShares S&P SmallCap Information Technology Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index called the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Information Technology Index (the Index). The Index consists of common stocks of the United States information technology companies. These are companies that are principally engaged in the business of providing information technology-related products and services, including computer hardware and software, Internet, electronics and semiconductors, and communication technologies. The Index is compiled, maintained and calculated by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC. The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks of small-capitalization information technology companies. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Fund�� investment adviser is Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephen Leeb]

  The PowerShares S&P 500 Small-Cap Technology (PSCT) is geared towards smaller, more agile, but also less-established firms, while iShares S&P North American Technology ETF (IGM) offers broad, blue-chip technology industry exposure.

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014: Clarke(t)

T.Clarke plc, a building services contractor, provides electrical and mechanical installation services and supplies associated equipment. The company offers information communications technology (ICT) services in the areas of structured cabling and connectivity, network infrastructure and security, networked energy management, data centre infrastructure, and managed and support services; facilities management services, such as preventative, reactive, and planned maintenance solutions; and green technologies services, which comprise photovoltaics, rainwater harvesting, biomass boilers, ground source heating, air source heating, wind turbines, lighting, and carbon reduction audit services. It also provides massive reading station redevelopment, cross rail, border rail link, and underground power upgrade services for the rail sector; lifecycle building services combining mechanical and electrical works with ICT for utilities and technologies sectors; lifecycle services for ho tel and residential sectors, which include electrical, ICT, and mechanical systems design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance; and mechanical and electrical contracting services for education, healthcare, government/local authority, retail and leisure, stadiums, transport, towers, media, and residential sectors. In addition, the company manufactures and prefabricates elements of an installation, as well as engineering components. T.Clarke plc was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matt Thalman]

  Shares of AT&T (NYSE: T  ) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ  ) rose an astonishing 1.38% and 1.12%, respectively, today despite being two of only seven Dow components ending the day in the black. The index itself lost more than 175 points today, or 1.07%. The likely cause for the move higher was an announcement made yesterday by AT&T that it would be reporting a non-cash gain of $7.6 billion from its pension plan due to better-than-expected performance of the company's pension during 2013. Verizon recently reported a similar event when it said that it would report a $6 billion gain from its pension obligation. What this essentially means is that the amount each company will need to add to its employee's pension funds has just dropped by a massive amount, and thus, more money can be used for business operations, or given back to shareholders.�

• [By Dan Carroll]

  Things heat up on Tuesday for Dow investors, with four companies on the index reporting quarterly data. Analysts expect $0.01 year-over-year earnings gains from Travelers (NYSE: TRV  ) and DuPont (NYSE: DD  ) , projecting average EPS figures of $2.02 and $1.52, respectively, while estimating United Technologies' (NYSE: UTX  ) earnings to dip $0.01 from last year's quarter to $1.30. AT&T (NYSE: T  ) is also expected to succeed in its earnings on Tuesday, with experts projecting earnings of $0.64 per share, a year-over-year gain of more than 6%. AT&T's stock has shot up by nearly 14% in the past three months alone, and an earnings beat could send shares even higher.

• [By Matt Thalman]

  Before we jump into the Dow's big losers of the week, let's take a moment to examine the Dow's top stock. AT&T (NYSE: T  ) gained 2.98% this past week, prompted by a 2% move on Tuesday that came after the FCC approved the deal AT&T, DISH Network, and a number of other smaller wireless providers had agreed upon to help increase the spectrum band some of the carriers will now have access to. This FCC is looking out for consumers, who should be able to get better service. For AT&T, the world's largest mobile-telecom provider, it's a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," as the deal will increase the competition for its rivals.�� �

• [By Dan Carroll]

  The Dow's telecom stocks are on the upswing today as well. Verizon (NYSE: VZ  ) shares have surged 1.6%, while rival AT&T's (NYSE: T  ) stock has picked up 1.3%. Electronic publication PCMag released the results of a study on America's major networks yesterday, and AT&T ranked as the fastest 4G LTE network nationwide. It's a victory for AT&T, but not one the company should get used to.

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014: Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK)

Alaska Air Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc., operates as an airline company serving destinations in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company provides passenger air services; and freight and mail services primarily to and within the state of Alaska and on the West Coast. As of December 31, 2009, it operated a fleet of 110 jet aircraft; and Horizon Air Industries operated a fleet of 18 jets and 40 turboprop aircraft. The company was founded in 1932 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephen Quickel]

  Seattle-based Alaska Air Group (ALK), under attack by Delta Air Lines on its home turf, has been expanding southward into Salt Lake City, New Orleans, and Tampa.

• [By Maria Armental and Anna Prior]

  Alaska Air Group Inc.(ALK) said it is planning a 2-for-1 stock split next month. Shares have tripled since the company’s prior split two years ago amid broad sharp gains for airline stocks on signs of consistent profitability.

• [By Will Ashworth]

  Next Page

  Top Potential Buyouts: #3, Alaska Air Group (ALK)
  

  Alaska Air (ALK) might not be the largest airline in the U.S., but it�� certainly one of the most profitable.

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014: Symmetricom Inc.(SYMM)

Symmetricom, Inc. provides timekeeping technologies, instruments, and solutions worldwide. Its Communications business unit provides timing technologies and services for communications infrastructure. The Communications business unit products comprise primary reference sources; edge clocks and distribution products for synchronization outside the network core; building integrated timing supply and sync supply unit for the central office; the PackeTime product suite; data over cable service interface specifications timing interface systems; network management and monitoring software; and embedded hardware and software solutions for integration with various elements of the communications ecosystem, such as silicon, routers, switches, microwave backhaul, and base stations. The company?s Government business unit offers time technology products for aerospace/defense, IT infrastructure, power infrastructure, and science and metrology applications. The Government business unit p roduct portfolio comprises timescale clock sources; network time servers; network time displays; time code generators; bus level timing cards; primary reference standards, such as rubidium and cesium oscillator standards; high stability masers; chip-scale atomic clocks; ruggedized crystal oscillators; and custom time and frequency systems. It offers timekeeping in GPS satellites, national time references, and national power grids, as well as in critical military and civilian networks, which enable data, voice, mobile, and video networks and services. The company sells its products through distributors, systems integrators, and manufacturer sales representatives. It serves various markets, including communications service providers; network equipment manufacturers; silicon suppliers; aerospace/defense; power utility infrastructure; IT infrastructure; underwater exploration and navigation; and science and metrology. The company was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San J ose, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  Microsemi Corp.(MSCC) agreed to pay almost $298 million to acquire Symmetricom Inc.(SYMM), a deal that will expand the power-management supplier’s exposure into the aerospace and defense industries while also immediately adding to earnings. Shares in Symmetricom soared.

• [By Rich Smith]

  San Jose, Calif.-based Symmetricom (NASDAQ: SYMM  ) has a new chief executive officer.

  On Tuesday, the "precise time" computer announced a series of changes in upper management. Current CEO David G. Cote is leaving the company "to pursue other interests" and has been replaced by new CEO Elizabeth A. Fetter, a current board member. Details on Fetter's compensation have yet to be filed with the SEC.

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014: Varian Medical Systems Inc.(VAR)

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells, and services equipment and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and brachytherapy worldwide. Its Oncology Systems segment offers products, such as linear accelerators, brachytherapy afterloaders, treatment simulation and verification equipment, and accessories; and information management, treatment planning, and image processing software. This segment serves university research and community hospitals, private and governmental institutions, healthcare agencies, doctors? offices, and cancer care clinics. The company?s X-ray Products segment provides x-ray tubes for use in a range of applications, including computed tomography scanning, radiographic or fluoroscopic imaging, mammography, special procedures, and industrial applications; and flat panel digital image detectors for filmless x-ray imaging. It sells t hese products to imaging systems original equipment manufacturers that incorporate them into their medical diagnostic, dental, veterinary, and industrial imaging systems; independent service companies; and directly to end-users. The company also designs, manufactures, sells, and services Linatron x-ray accelerators, imaging processing software, and image detection products for security and inspection purposes, such as cargo screening at ports and borders, and nondestructive examination in various applications. In addition, it develops products and systems for delivering proton therapy; and technologies in the areas of digital X-ray imaging technology, volumetric and functional imaging, improved X-ray sources, and technology for security and cargo screening applications. The company was formerly known as Varian Associates, Inc. and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. in April 1999. Varian Medical Systems, Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Palo Alto , California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Intuitive Surgical has fallen 4.4% to $381.39 today, but doesn’t seem to be having much of an impact on comparable companies. Hologic (HOLX) has ticked up 0.2% to $22.06, Danaher (DHR) has fallen -.4% to $72.05 and Varian Medical Systems (VAR) has gained 0.2% to $78.70.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Basic guidelines
  In this series, I examine inventory using a simple rule of thumb: Inventory increases ought to roughly parallel revenue increases. If inventory bloats more quickly than sales grow, this might be a sign that expected sales haven't materialized. Is the current inventory situation at Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR  ) out of line? To figure that out, start by comparing the company's inventory growth to sales growth. How is Varian Medical Systems doing by this quick checkup? At first glance, not so great. Trailing-12-month revenue increased 7.2%, and inventory increased 13.0%. Comparing the latest quarter to the prior-year quarter, the story looks decent. Revenue grew 6.7%, and inventory increased 13.0%. Over the sequential quarterly period, the trend looks healthy. Revenue grew 13.3%, and inventory grew 0.6%.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Varian Medical Systems (VAR) and Stryker (SYK) are heading in opposite directions after reporting very different earnings after the close today.

  Getty Images

  Shares of Stryker have gained 0.5% to $79–they were up as much as 3.1% at $81–after reporting a profit of $1.23, beating forecasts for $1.22, while revenue came in at $2.47 billion, ahead of forecasts for $2.43 billion. Stryker also said that its full year earnings would come in between $4.74 and $4.90 using new amortization rules. Because of that change it’s hard to tell how that compares to consensus estimates for $4.57.

  Varian, meanwhile, has dropped 0.6% to $82 after it said it earned 91 cents a share, up 6% from a year ago and ahead of analyst forecasts for 90 cents, according to FactSet. Varian also predicted that full-year earnings would come in between $4.22 and $4.32 a share, straddling the consensus estimate of $4.29.

Top 10 International Companies To Watch For 2014: ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc (ARR)

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.( ARMOUR), incorporated on February 5, 2008, is an externally-managed Maryland corporation managed by ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. The Company invests primarily in hybrid adjustable rate, adjustable rate and fixed rate residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS). These securities are issued or guaranteed by a United States Government-sponsored entity (GSE), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Administration (Ginnie Mae) collectively, Agency Securities. From time to time, a portion of its portfolio may be invested in unsecured notes and bonds issued by United States Government-chartered entities, collectively, Agency Debt. As of December 31, 2012, Agency Securities account for 100% of its portfolio.

The Company seeks long-term investment returns by investing its equity capital and borrowed funds in its targeted asset class of Agency Securities. The Company�� assets have been invested in Agency Securities or money market instruments, primarily deposits at federally chartered banks. The Company borrows against its Agency Securities using repurchase agreements. Its borrowings generally have maturities that may range from one month or less, up to one year, although occasionally it may enter into longer dated borrowing agreements to more closely match the rate adjustment period of its Agency Securities.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Amanda Alix]

  This development will likely give battered mREITs like Annaly Capital (NYSE: NLY  ) , Armour Residential (NYSE: ARR  ) , and American Capital Agency (NASDAQ: AGNC  ) �a huge boost as investors begin to feel less panic regarding a tapering of the current QE3 program. Markets have responded to the Summers announcement by soaring skyward, apparently feeling relief and confidence about the fate of the taper.

• [By John Maxfield]

  An article published today by Bloomberg News cited a source at JPMorgan Chase claiming that mREITs like Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY  ) , American Capital Agency (NASDAQ: AGNC  ) , and ARMOUR Residential (NYSE: ARR  ) may have needed to sell about $30 billion worth of MBSes in "just one week last month to maintain the amount of borrowing relative to their net worth." As the article went on to note, "Those types of sales deepened losses in the mortgage-bond market, which had the worst quarter since 1994, accelerated the exit from fixed-income funds, and fueled a jump in home-loan�rates�to a two-year high."

• [By Amanda Alix]

  After getting beaten to a pulp again last Friday, mortgage REITs ticked upward on Monday, even as a mass downgrading of the sector�took place by Wunderlich Securities. Though agency players Annaly Capital (NYSE: NLY  ) and American Capital Agency (NASDAQ: AGNC  ) were able to gain back only a portion of their Friday stock price losses -- as was particularly hard-hit Armour Residential (NYSE: ARR  ) �-- the upswing was a welcome, though surprising, outcome.

Hot Casino Companies To Invest In Right Now

In the following video, Fool contributor Matt Thalman discusses a few metrics indicating that Las Vegas is experiencing a growing number of tourists. On a monthly basis, the gambling mecca of the U.S. is seeing about 3.3 million visitors. Higher foot traffic allows the hotel operators to charge higher room rates, and the city is experiencing higher revenue gaming. The average daily rate for hotel rooms in Las Vegas is up 2.9% year to date, and gaming revenue has increased by 4.7% for the strip casinos.

While all the major casino operators will benefit from a recovering Las Vegas, this market probably won't produce any massive growth for the industry anytime soon. Double-digit growth rates will still probably only be seen in Macau, but since MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM  ) and Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR  ) control such a large portion of the hotel rooms and casino floor space in Las Vegas, news that the city is recovering should help.

The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for this year. Find out which stock it is in the special free report: "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2013." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.

Top 5 Construction Companies To Invest In 2015: Penn National Gaming Inc.(PENN)

Penn National Gaming, Inc. and its subsidiaries own and manage gaming and pari-mutuel properties in the United States. It operates approximately 27,000 gaming machines; 500 table games; and 2,000 hotel rooms in 23 facilities in 16 jurisdictions, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. The company was formerly known as PNRC Corp. and changed its name to Penn National Gaming, Inc. in 1994. Penn National Gaming, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Grace L. Williams]

  Next, we turn to another gaming company: Penn National Gaming (PENN). Three insiders bought during the quarter: CEO Timothy J. Wilmott bought 50,000 shares for $537,000; CFO Saul Reibstein bought 5,000 shares for $52,700 and John Jacquemin, a director, bought 20,000 shares for $214,800

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Penn National Gaming Inc. (NASDAQ: PENN) completed on Monday the spin-off of its real-estate holdings into a new REIT, Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (G&LP) (NASDAQ: GLPI). The spin-off was first announced a year ago. Shares in GLPI are trading at around $46.51 after opening at $45.76 this morning.

Hot Casino Companies To Invest In Right Now: Boyd Gaming Corporation(BYD)

Boyd Gaming Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-jurisdictional gaming company in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, the company owned and operated 1,042,787 square feet of casino space, containing approximately 25,973 slot machines, 655 table games, and 11,418 hotel rooms. It also owned and operated 16 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and New Jersey. In addition, the company owns and operates a pari-mutuel jai-alai facility located in Dania Beach, Florida, as well as a travel agency in Hawaii. Further, it holds a 50% controlling interest in the limited liability company that operates Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Boyd Gaming Corporation was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD  ) reported earnings on April 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Boyd Gaming met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

• [By John Kell and Lauren Pollock var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); ]

  Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Tuesday’s session are American Eagle Outfitters Inc.(AEO), Boyd Gaming Corp.(BYD) and Dick's Sporting Goods Inc.(DKS)

Hot Casino Companies To Invest In Right Now: Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment Inc (DDE)

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment, Inc., incorporated in December of 2001, is a premier gaming and entertainment resorts. The Company�� operations consist of: Dover Downs Casino, a 165,000-square foot casino complex featuring table games, including craps, roulette and card games, such as blackjack, Spanish 21, baccarat, 3-card and pai gow poker, the latest in slot machine offerings, multi-player electronic table games, the Crown Royal poker room, a Race & Sports Book operation, the Dover Downs' Fire & Ice Lounge, the Festival Buffet, Doc Magrogan's Oyster House, Frankie's Italian restaurant, as well as several bars, restaurants and four retail outlets; Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center, a 500 room AAA Four Diamond hotel with a full-service spa/salon, conference, banquet, ballroom and concert hall facilities, and Dover Downs Raceway, a harness racing track with pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races. All of its operations are located at its entertainment complex in Dover. Its two wholly owned subsidiaries include Dover Downs, Inc. and Dover Downs Gaming Management Corp.

Dover Downs Casino

The Company's casino had approximately 2,539 slot machines as of December 31, 2011. It is open for business around the clock. During the year ended December 31, 2011, that the facility was visited by approximately 2.6 million patrons. Its slot machines range from penny machines to $100 machines in the Premium Slots area and include games found in the country's major gaming jurisdictions. The Company operates with 40 tables, including blackjack, craps and roulette tables. The Crown Royal poker room has 12 poker tables. It has its Race and Sports Book operation featuring parlay sports wagering on NFL games and pari-mutuel wagering on live and simulcast horse races. Dover Downs, Inc. is authorized to conduct video lottery, sports wagering and table game operations. The Company's Capital Club, a slots players club and tracking system, allows it to identify customers and t! o reward their level of play through various marketing programs.

Dover Downs Hotel

The Company's luxury hotel facility, the Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center, connects to the Company's casino. The facility includes 500 rooms, including 11 luxury spa suites, a multi-purpose ballroom/concert hall, a fine dining restaurant, swimming pool and a luxurious 6,000 square-foot full-service spa. It offers a range of entertainment options to its patrons, including concerts featuring prominent entertainers, live boxing, gourmet dining, spa facilities, trade shows and conferences. During 2011, hotel occupancy averaged 90%.

Dover Downs Raceway

The Company�� Dover Downs Raceway conducts live harness races from November until April and is simulcast to more than 300 tracks and other off-track betting locations across North America on each of the Company's more than 120 live race dates. The Company's harness racing track is a 5/8-mile track that is located on DVD's property and is on the inside of its one-mile motorsports superspeedway. Additional amenities include the Winners Circle Restaurant overlooking the horse racing track. Within the Company's Race & Sports Book operation is the simulcast parlor where the patrons can wager on harness and thoroughbred races received by satellite into its facility year round from numerous tracks across North America. Television monitors throughout the area provide views of all races simultaneously and the betting windows are connected to a central computer allowing bets to be received on all races from all tracks.

The Company has an agreement with the Delaware Standardbred Owner's Association, Inc. (DSOA) effective September 1, 2010 and continuing through August 31, 2014. DSOA's membership consists of owners, trainers and drivers of harness horses participating in harness race meetings at its facilities and elsewhere in the United States and Canada. Under the DSOA agreement, the Company is required to distrib! ute as pu! rses for races conducted at its facilities a percentage of its retained share of pari-mutuel revenues.

The Company competes with Harrington Raceway and Delaware Park.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Stocks on the move: Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ: VOD) is up 8.1% at $31.80 on reports of discussions with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) that would result in the sale of Vodafone�� 45% stake in Verizon Wireless to the controlling shareholder. Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: DDE) is up 10.8% at $1.54 after Wednesday�� launch of its online casino games that will soon be available to state residents to play for real money.

• [By Paul Ausick]

  The REIT is expected to spend as much as $500 million in acquisitions in 2014, according to Barron��, and some potential acquisition targets include Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. (NASDAQ: ISLE) which has a market cap of around $323 million or Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: DDE) with a market cap of around $47 million.

Hot Casino Companies To Invest In Right Now: Scientific Games Corp (SGMS)

Scientific Games Corporation (Scientific Games), incorporated on July 2, 1984, is a global supplier of solutions to lottery and gaming organizations worldwide. The Company�� products and services include instant lottery games, lottery gaming systems, terminals and services, and Internet applications, as well as server-based interactive gaming machines and associated gaming control systems. The Company reports its operations in three segments: Printed Products Group, Lottery Systems Group and Diversified Gaming Group. Printed Products Group is a provider of instant lottery tickets in the world. The Company�� Lottery Systems Group is a provider of customized computer software, software support, equipment and data communication services to lotteries. Its Diversified Gaming Group provides services and systems to private and public operators in the wide area gaming industry, including server-based gaming machines and sports betting systems and services. On September 23, 2011, the Company acquired Barcrest Group Limited. During 2011, the Company launched MDI Interactive, a content services powerhouse dedicated to delivering gaming solutions for the Internet, mobile and all digital things. In October 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of WMS Industries Inc.

Printed Products

Printed Products segment is primarily consists of instant ticket lottery business. The Company generates revenue from the manufacturing and sale of instant tickets, as well as the provision of value-added services, such as game design, sales and marketing support, specialty games and promotions, inventory management and warehousing and fulfillment services. It also provides lotteries with cooperative service programs (CSPs), to help them manage and support their operations. The Company also provides licensed games, promotional entertainment and Internet-based services to the lottery industry. It operates six instant ticket printing facilities across five continents.

!

The Company provides lotteries with access to some entertainment brands on lottery products through its subsidiary MDI Entertainment LLC (MDI). The Company�� licensed entertainment brands include Harley-Davidson, Major League Baseball, Monopoly, National Basketball Association, The Price is Right, Wheel-of-Fortune and World Poker Tour. It also provides branded merchandise prizes, advertising, promotional support, turnkey drawing management services and prize fulfillment programs. In addition, it offers lotteries a Web-based platform called Properties Plus, which features players clubs, reward programs, second chance promotional websites, interactive games and, subject to applicable law, a subscription system that enables players to purchase lottery games securely over the Internet. The Company owns 20% interests in LNS ad Northstar, and 49% in CSG.

Lottery Systems

The Company is a provider of customized computer software, software support, equipment and data communication services to lotteries. In the United States, the Company typically provides the necessary equipment, software and maintenance services pursuant to long-term facilities. Internationally, it typically sells terminals and/or computer software to lottery authorities and may provide ongoing fee-based systems and software support services. The Company�� lottery systems business includes the supply of transaction-processing software, draw lottery games, keno, point-of-sale terminals, central site computers and communication platforms as well as ongoing operational support and maintenance services. The Company is the instant ticket validation network provider to the China Sports Lottery.

The Company has lottery systems operating in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. In addition, it provides video lottery central monitoring, and control systems and networks primarily to lotteries an! d gaming ! regulators. It also provides software, hardware and support for sports wagering systems. The Company has 50% interest in Guard Libang, a provider of instant ticket activation and validation and inventory management systems and services.

Gaming

The Company is a provider of server-based gaming machines and systems and other products and services to operators in the gaming industry. The Company�� Gaming segment includes The Global Draw Limited (Global Draw), a supplier of server-based gaming machines and systems, and game content primarily to bookmakers that operate licensed betting offices (LBOs) in the United Kingdom, and to gaming operators outside the United Kingdom. The Gaming segment also includes Barcrest Group Limited (Barcrest) and Games Media Limited (Games Media), suppliers of gaming machines, systems and game content to pubs, bingo halls and arcades in the United Kingdom and continental Europe.

The Company provides its Gaming customers with gaming machines, remote management of game content and management information, central computer systems, secure data communication and field support services. It develops its own game content, and supplements its offering with content from third parties. As of December 31, 2011, the Company installed approximately 23,100 LBO gaming machines in the United Kingdom, which included approximately 8,000 LBO gaming. As of December 31, 2011, it had an installed base of approximately 6,100 gaming machines in its United Kingdom pub, bingo hall and arcade business, and installed approximately 6,500 gaming machines outside of the United Kingdom. During 2011, the Company owned a 50% interest in Sciplay, a joint venture with Playtech Services (Cyprus) Limited. It also owns 29.4% interests in RCN, and 20% in Sportech.

The Compnay competes with Pollard Banknote Limited, GTECH, BI Worldwide Ltd., Alchemy3, LLC, ePrize, LLC, GTECH, Pollard, Intralot Technologies, Inc., International Lottery and Totalizator Systems, Inc.! , Inspire! d Gaming Group Limited, Danoptra Ltd, Sceptre Leisure plc, Games Warehouse Limited, International Game Technology, Lottomatica, Bally Technologies, Inc., Inspired, Aristocrat Leisure Ltd, Novomatic AG, Multimedia Games, Inc., WMS Industries Inc., Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., Amaya Gaming Group, Inc., Cryptologic Ltd., IGT, Microgaming Software Systems Ltd., Net Entertainment NE AB, NYX Gaming Group, OpenBet Technology Ltd. and Playtech Limited.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Johanna Bennett]

  Scientific Games (SGMS) is placing a big bet on Bally Technologies (BYI).

  Early today, the seller of instant ticketing systems and game-control software announce it was buying the slot machine maker for $5.1 billion, including debt, marking the latest deal in the gaming equipment industry.

  Bally shareholders will get $83.30 a share or a 38% premium to the stock’s closing price on Thursday. Scientific Games will take on $1.8 billion of Bally’s debt.

  As expected, the news sent Bally�� share soaring 20% to $77.72. But investors aren�� going all in on the deal, with Scientific Games��share price down 2% to $8.33 a share.

  The deal looks good on paper. As the WSJ reports:

  The two companies generated combined revenue of about $3 billion in the one-year period ended March 31. The merger plan calls for $220 million of cost synergies and $25 million of capital-expenditure savings through consolidating operations and creating efficiencies across a range of activities.

  Scientific Games said it expects the deal to immediately benefit the company’s per-share earnings and cash flow and help reduce the company’s leverage over the next three to four years.

  This is not the first coupling for Scientific Games. In late 2013, it bagged WMS Industries, a maker of gambling equipment, for $1.42 billion, while Bally acquired fellow casino-device maker SHFL Entertainment for $1.3 billion. And in mid-July, casino-equipment maker International Game Technology (IGT) agreed to be acquired by Italian lottery-operator Gtech in a deal worth $4.7 billion.

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  According to Bloomberg, major banks including JPMorgan have put off syndicating $3.19 billion of loans for Scientific Games (NASDAQ: SGMS) that would have been used to finance its acquisition of Bally Technologies (NYSE: BYI). Shares of Scientific Games lost 6.56 percent, closing at $9.26 while shares of Bally Technologies lost 2.07 percent, closing at $77.97.

Hot Casino Companies To Invest In Right Now: MGM Resorts International(MGM)

MGM Resorts International, through its subsidiaries, primarily owns and operates casino resorts in the United States. The company?s resorts offer gaming, hotel, dining, entertainment, retail, and other resort amenities. It also owns and operates golf courses and a golf club. As of December 31, 2010, the company owned and operated 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi, and Michigan; and has 50% investments in 4 other casino resorts in Nevada, Illinois, and Macau. In addition, MGM Resorts International has an agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, which owns and operates a casino resort in Connecticut, to carry the ?MGM Grand? brand name. The company was formerly known as MGM MIRAGE and changed its name to MGM Resorts International in June 2010. MGM Resorts International was founded in 1986 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Heather Long]

  It's a similar story in Las Vegas. MGM (MGM), which runs Bellagio, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay, among others, reported a surge in earnings this week that exceeded Wall Street expectations.

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Analysts at Ascendiant Capital initiated coverage of MGM Resorts (NYSE: MGM) with a Buy rating and $33 price target. Shares hit new 52 week highs of $28.74 before reversing gains and closing the day at $28.31, down 0.28 percent.

Hot Casino Companies To Invest In Right Now: William Hill PLC (WMH)

William Hill PLC is a United Kingdom-based gambling company. The Company�� business is to provide its customers with a range of sports betting and gaming opportunities. It is a bookmaker providing fixed odds sports betting. It also offers gaming opportunities. The Company�� segments include Retail distribution channel, which includes activity undertaken in LBOs, including gaming machines; Online segment, which includes activity undertaken online, including an online sportsbook, online casino, online poker sites and other gaming products; Telephone segment, which includes its telephone betting services; US segment, comprises all activity undertaken in the United States; Other activities include on-course betting and greyhound stadia operations. In April 2013, it acquired the remaining 29% stake in William Hill Online from its joint venture partner Playtech Ltd. Effective September 2, 2013, William Hill PLC acquired Miapuesta.es, a provider of gaming and sports betting services. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Inyoung Hwang]

  Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc sank 3.3 percent after reporting results and naming the head of its U.K. consumer unit as chief executive officer. William Hill Plc (WMH) dropped the most in four years after the bookmaker posted earnings that missed analysts��projections. International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG) rose to a five-year high as the parent of British Airways reported an operating profit in the second quarter.

• [By Inyoung Hwang]

  Prudential Plc (PRU), which generated 32 percent of its operating income from Asia last year, climbed to its highest price since at least 1988. William Hill (WMH) Plc lost 3.2 percent after JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its rating on the bookmaker. Anglo American Plc (AAL) declined 1.4 percent after saying that production at its Kumba (KIO) Iron Ore Ltd. unit fell.

Top 5 China Stocks To Invest In 2014

A virus that kills young pigs is roiling the U.S. pork industry, boosting prices in the $9 billion hog-futures market and threatening to create more pain for food shoppers.

The disease, which has spread to farms in 22 states, is cutting into pork supplies and prompting some traders and investors to wager that hog prices could set records this year. Lean-hog futures rose to a seven-week high a week ago and are up 6% since mid-December.

AFP/Getty Images Enlarge Image A pig virus has spread to farms in 22 states and is cutting pork supplies.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, or the PED virus, appeared in the U.S. for the first time in April and has killed thousands of piglets since then. The virus, which causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, is fatal only to young pigs and poses no threat to human health or food safety, according to swine veterinarians. The U.S. strain is nearly identical to a version that curbed hog production in China in 2012.

Hot Penny Companies To Own In Right Now: Renesola Ltd.(SOL)

ReneSola Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of solar wafers and solar power products. It offers virgin polysilicons, monocrystalline and multicrystalline solar wafers, and photovoltaic cells and modules. The company also provides cell and module processing services. Its products are used in a range of residential, commercial, industrial, and other solar power generation systems. The company sells its solar wafers primarily to solar cell and module manufacturers. It principally operates in Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, India, Australia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, the Czech Republic, and the United States. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Jiashan, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James Brumley]

  Which solar power stocks are the proverbial picks of the litter, though? Here are the first five a newcomer might want to consider.

  ReneSola Ltd. (SOL)

  While most solar stocks have done incredibly well so far in 2014, ReneSola (SOL) wasn’t one of them. In fact, SOL stock is a bit unusual in that it’s trading well under its October high of $6 per share. That’s not a bad thing, though. In fact, it may work to your advantage because it gives new buyers a chance to scoop up ReneSola shares at a bargain price before their next big run-up.

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  
  

  One under-$10 name that's starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade is ReneSola (SOL), a manufacturer of solar wafers and producer of solar power products based in China. This stock has been on fire so far in 2013, with shares up sharply by 183%.

  If you take a look at the chart for ReneSola, you'll notice that this stock has been uptrending very strong for the last four months and change, with shares soaring higher from its low of $1.25 to its recent high of $4.85 a share. During that uptrend, shares of SOL have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. Shares of SOL have pulled back a bit during the last few weeks, with the stock coming off that high of $4.85 to its recent low of $3.52 a share. This stock has now started to bounce off that $3.52 low and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a big breakout trade.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SOL if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $4.25 to $4.50 a share and then once it clears its 52-week high at $4.85 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 2.09 million shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then SOL will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $7 to $8 a share.

  Traders can look to buy SOL off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its 50-day moving average of $3.31 a share. One can also buy SOL off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

• [By Travis Hoium]

  What: Shares of solar manufacturer ReneSola (NYSE: SOL  ) jumped as much as 26% today after the company increased guidance.

  So what: Management said that second-quarter shipments would be 760 MW-770 MW, well above the previous expectation of 700 MW-720 MW. Gross margin is also expected to be 5%-6%, above the 3%-5% previously expected. �

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Notable earnings reports currently on tap for next week: Qihu 360 Technology Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: QIHU), Avago Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO), LDK Solar Co. Ltd. (NYSE: LDK), Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF), Joy Global Inc. (NYSE: JOY), Campbell Soup Co. (NYSE: CPB), JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd. (NASDAQ: JASO), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE: KKD), and ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE: SOL).

Top 5 China Stocks To Invest In 2014: Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited(YZC)

Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited engages in the underground mining, preparation, and sale of coal. It involves in manufacturing, washing, processing, and selling steam coal used in the electricity power sector; and metallurgical coal used with coking coal in the process of pulverized coal injection, as well as operates six coal mines. The company also engages in the provision of railway transportation services; production and sale of coal chemicals, primarily methanol; and generation of electricity and heat. In addition, it involves in the manufacture and sale of mining machinery and engine products; and development of integrated coal technology. Further, the company engages in the transportation via rivers and lakes; sale of construction materials; and trading and processing of mining machinery. It has operations primarily in China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The company was founded in 1973 and is based in Zoucheng, the People's Republic of China. Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited is a subsidiary of Yankuang Group Corporation Limited.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Yanzhou Coal Mining (YZC) engages in the underground coal mining, as well as preparation, processing, sale and railway transportation of coal. This stock closed up 7.6% to $7.31 in Thursday's trading session.

  Thursday's Range: $7.14-$7.31
  
  52-Week Range: $6.68-$18.57
  
  Thursday's Volume: 391,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 370,383

  From a technical perspective, YZC bounced sharply higher here right off some near-term support at $6.77 with above-average volume. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last six months, with shares plunging from its high of over $14 to its recent low of $6.68. During that move, shares of YZC have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of YZC have recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $6.68 to $6.77. This stock now looks ready to reverse that downtrend and possibly trigger a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if YZC manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $7.76 to $8 with high volume.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in YZC as long as it's trending above its recent low of $6.77 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 370,383 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then YZC will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $9 to $10. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give YZC a chance to tag its next major overhead resistance levels at $10.67 to $11.11.

• [By Belinda Cao]

  Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. (YZC), China�� fourth-largest coal producer, lost 3.6 percent last week to $10.33. The company posted its eighth weekly slump, the longest stretch of declines since August 1998. Bank of America Corp. cut the stock to the equivalent of sell from neutral May 3.

Top 5 China Stocks To Invest In 2014: China Life Insurance Company Limited(LFC)

China Life Insurance Company Limited provides life, annuities, accident, and health insurance products in China. Its individual life insurance and annuity products consist of whole life and term life insurance, endowment insurance, and annuities. The company also engages in the writing of life insurance business. In addition, it offers group life insurance products, including group annuity products, and group whole life and term life insurance products to enterprises and institutions, as well as universal life products. Further, the company provides short-term insurance products comprising short-term accident insurance and short-term health insurance products; accident insurance products, such as individual accident insurance and group accident insurance; and health insurance products, including defined health benefit plans, medical expense reimbursement plans, and disease specific plans. It distributes its products through its direct sales representatives and exclusive ag ents, as well as through intermediaries comprising insurance agencies and insurance brokerage companies, non-dedicated agencies, bancassurance arrangements, travel agencies, and hotels and airline sales counters. The company was founded in 1949 and is based in Beijing, China. China Life Insurance Company Limited is a subsidiary of China Life Insurance (Group) Company.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Inman]

  China Life Insurance Co. (HK:2628) � (LFC) �rose 2.7% after China�� largest life insurer by premiums reported that it had made a 7.5 billion yuan ($1.2 billion) profit in the third quarter, reversing a 2.2 billion yuan loss in the same period last year.

Top 5 China Stocks To Invest In 2014: Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd.(QIHU)

Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. provides Internet and mobile security products in the People's Republic of China. Its principal products include 360 Safe Guard, an Internet security product for Internet security and system optimization; 360 Anti-Virus, an anti-virus application to protect users? computers against trojan horses, viruses, worms, adware, and other forms of malware; and 360 Mobile Safe, a security program for the Google Android, Apple iOS, and Nokia Symbian smartphone operating systems. The company?s platform products comprise 360 Safe Browser, a Web browser; 360 Personal Start-up Page, a default homepage of 360 Safe Browser and a key access point to popular and preferred information and applications; 360 Application Store, a key access point to securely obtain and manage software and applications; and 360 Safebox, a solution that protects users against thefts of personal account information. It also provides online advertising services, including online marketi ng services and search referral services; and Internet value-added services comprising the operation of Web games developed by third-parties, remote technical support, and cloud-based services. The company was formerly known as Qihoo Technology Company Limited and changed its name to Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd. in December 2010. Qihoo 360 Technology Co. was founded in 2005 and is based in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Wolfe]

  Qihoo 360 Technology Co. (QIHU)

  During the second quarter, Burbank made his largest increase in Qihoo 360 Technology. The guru upped his stake 3662.45% by purchasing a total of 1,530,025 shares at an estimated average price of $38.49 per share. The price per share has skyrocketed approximately 84% since then.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  Qihoo 360 (NYSE: QIHU  ) changed the search landscape when it moved to offer an in-house solution last summer. A T.H. Capital report shows Qihoo 360 commanding nearly 15% of the market. Baidu is still the undisputed top dog with 70% of the market, but it feels vulnerable for the first time since Google (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) decided to stage a partial retreat out of the world's most populous nation a couple of years ago.

• [By Kevin Chen]

  I don't like Qihoo 360 (NYSE: QIHU  ) , but I do realize when a company is here to stay.

  If you've followed Qihoo over the past year, you may have heard how it seems to be more of a marketing company with inferior products rather than a serious tech competitor. Well, once you read its most recent earnings report, you may change your mind like I did. The fact is, Qihoo seems to be making profitable strides in the search market.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now

We've been recommending gold shares for months now, ever since prices collapsed in April. But timing's getting critical, because now the market is telling you gold is set to surge...

The first piece of evidence hit my radar on August 1st, moments after Barrick Gold released its $8.7 billion "news." (More on that in a minute.)

The Commitment of Traders report - perhaps the best leading indicator for gold prices - delivered the second piece of evidence: a staggering 70% spike in "red flag" futures trading. And the third and fourth pieces of evidence just arrived.

But before we look at each of these events in detail, here's what you need to know:

Any one of these indicators is bullish on its own. So when all four signals flash at once, please don't wait.

A "Gold Convergence" like this hasn't happened in 12 years...

Indicator No. 1: A True Bottom

Calling market bottoms - and tops, for that matter - is typically a 50/50 proposition... unless, of course, the market hands you an overwhelming element of proof, just like it did on August 1st...

Top 5 Performing Companies To Own In Right Now: Rent-A-Center Inc.(RCII)

Rent-A-Center, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, primarily engages in leasing household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. The company?s stores offer durable products, such as consumer electronics, appliances, computers, and furniture and accessories under flexible rental purchase agreements that allow the customer to obtain ownership of the merchandise at the conclusion of an agreed upon rental period. It also provides merchandise on an installment sales basis in its stores. As of December 31, 2010, the company operated 3,008 company-owned stores in the United States, and in Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, including 42 retail installment sales stores under the names ?Get It Now? and ?Home Choice?; and 18 rent-to-own stores located in Canada under the ?Rent-A-Centre? name. It also operates 209 franchised rent-to-own stores in 32 states under the ColorTyme trade name; and 384 kiosk locations under the ?RAC Acceptance? model. In addition, the company, th rough its ColorTyme?s franchised stores, offers custom rims and tires for sale or rental under the trade names ?RimTyme? or ?ColorTyme Custom Wheels?. Rent-A-Center, Inc. was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading DOWN
  Shares of Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ: RCII) were down 21.51 percent to $24.51 on Q4 results.

  Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) shares tumbled 7.80 percent to $507.55 after the company issued weak sales forecast for the second quarter and reported downbeat holiday iPhone sales.

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Rent-to-own consumer products company Rent-A-Center (RCII) raised its quarterly dividend 10% to 23 cents per share, payable on Jan. 23 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 3.
  RCII Dividend Yield: 2.77%

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ: RCII) shares tumbled 11.22 percent to $25.80 after the company issued a downbeat guidance for the second quarter. The company expected adjusted earnings of $0.36 to $0.38 per share on revenue of around $773 million.

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Rent-A-Center (NASDAQ: RCII) shares slipped 10.98% to $25.87 after the company issued a downbeat guidance for the second quarter. The company expected adjusted earnings of $0.36 to $0.38 per share on revenue of around $773 million.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Nikon Corp (NINOY)

NIKON CORPORATION is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of optical products. The Company is active in four business segments. The Precision Apparatus segment offers semiconductor exposure apparatus and liquid crystal (LC) exposure apparatus. The image segment provides digital cameras, film cameras and interchangeable lens. The Instruments segment offers microscopes, measuring machines and semiconductor inspection equipment. The Others segment provides glass materials, telescopes, glasses and survey airplanes.

As of August 19, 2009, the Company held a 92.17% stake in Metis NV. The Company has 65 subsidiaries and 10 associated companies in the country and overseas markets.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Carroll]

  Unfortunately, the yen's impact on stocks has blurred the lines on investments. Look no further than down-on-its-luck camera maker Nikon (NASDAQOTH: NINOY  ) . Nikon's shares gained more than 8% over the past week due to the yen's weakness, as the company rakes in more than a quarter of its sales in Europe. Still, the stock's lost more than 43% year to date.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (FDN)

First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the Dow Jones Internet Composite Index (the Index). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index represents companies that generate the majority of their revenues via the Internet. The Index aims to represent 80% of the float-adjusted Internet equity universe. The Index contains two sub-indexes, the Dow Jones Internet Commerce Index and the Dow Jones Internet Services Index. For its stock to be eligible for the universe, a company must generate at least 50% of annual sales/revenues from the Internet, and be included in the Dow Jones U.S. Index. The Fund�� investment advisor is First Trust Advisors L.P. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  That's where the First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index (NYSE Arca: FDN) comes in.

  Besides Facebook, which is its largest holding, FDN also owns Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) and both classes of Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOGL), which has voting rights, and GOOG, which does not.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Novartis AG (NVS)

Novartis AG, incorporated on February 29, 1996, provides healthcare solutions. The Company is a multinational group of companies specializing in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of a range of healthcare products led by pharmaceuticals. Its portfolio includes medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. The Company has five segments: Pharmaceuticals, which include patent-protected prescription medicines; Alcon, which include surgical, ophthalmic pharmaceutical and vision care products; Sandoz, which include generic pharmaceuticals; vaccines and diagnostics, which include human vaccines and blood-testing diagnostics, and consumer health, which include over-the-counter medicines (OTC) and Animal Health. On April 8, 2011, the Company acquired the remaining non-controlling interest in Alcon, Inc. In December 2013, Alliance Pharma plc announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited, acquired all the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (ROI) rights to Lypsyl from Novartis AG.

In April 2011, Novartis sells global rights to Elidel, a medicine to treat atopic dermatitis to Meda. In March 2011, Novartis completes acquisition of majority stake in Zhejiang Tianyuan vaccines company in China. In March 2011, the Company acquired Genoptix, Inc. In October 2011, Novartis discontinues development of AGO178 for depressive disorder. In December 2011, the Company discontinues development of PRT128 for acute coronary syndrome and chronic coronary heart disease, and SMC021 for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In April 2011, Alcon's portfolio of generic ophthalmic medicines sold through its Falcon business unit primarily in the United States.

Pharmaceuticals Division

The Company�� Pharmaceuticals Division researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells patented prescription medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as Oncol! ogy; Primary Care, consisting of Primary Care medicines and Established Medicines, and Specialty Care, consisting of Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Integrated Hospital Care, and Critical Care medicines. The Pharmaceuticals Division is organized into global business franchises responsible for the commercialization of various products, as well as Novartis Oncology, a business unit responsible for the global development and commercialization of oncology products, and Novartis Molecular Diagnostics, a business responsible for the development and commercialization of diagnostic tests and services related to its pharmaceuticals portfolio and therapeutic areas.

The Company�� Oncology products include Afinitor/Votubia, Exjade, Sandostatin SC/Sandostatin LAR , Femara , Zometa, Tasigna and Gleevec/Glivec. Gleevec/Glivec, which is a signal transduction inhibitor approved to treat patients with certain forms of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Tasigna is a signal transduction inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of Bcr-Abl, KIT+ and the PDGF-receptor. Zometa is a treatment to reduce or delay skeletal-related events (SREs), including pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression, and/or requirement of radiation therapy or surgery to bone, in patients with bone metastases (cancer that has spread to the bones) from solid tumors and multiple myeloma. Femara is a once-daily oral aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of early stage or advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Sandostatin SC/Sandostatin LAR is indicated for the treatment of patients with acromegaly, a chronic disease caused by over-secretion of pituitary growth hormone in adults. Sandostatin is also indicated for the treatment of patients with certain symptoms associated with carcinoid tumors and other types of gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Exjade is an oral iron chelator approved for the treatment of chronic iron overload due to blood transfusions in patients over ! two years! of age who have a range of underlying anemias. Patients with congenital and acquired chronic anemia, such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease and myelodysplastic syndromes, require transfusions, which puts them at risk of iron overload. Afinitor/Votubia is an oral inhibitor of the mTOR pathway.

The Company�� Primary Care products include Arcapta Neohaler/Onbrez Breezhaler, Diovan, Exforge, Tekturna/Rasilez, Galvus, Reclast/Aclasta, Voltaren/Cataflam, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Focalin and Focalin XR. Its Specialty Care products include Lucentis, Gilenya, Exelon, Extavia and Comtan, and Stalevo. Its Integrated Hospital Care include Zortress/Certican, Ilaris, Neoral and Myfortic.The Company�� Critical Care products include Xolair and Tobi Podhaler. As of December 31, 2011, the products under development includes ACZ885, which is being investigated for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events and for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus; AEB071 (sotrastaurin) is a low molecular weight, selective inhibitor of protein kinase-C (PKC); AFQ056 (mavoglurant) is a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist in Phase II development for the treatment of Parkinson's disease levodopa-induced dyskinesia; AIN457 (secukinumab) is a human monoclonal antibody neutralizing interleukin-17A, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed by TH17 cells and other types of white blood cells; BAF312 is an oral, second-generation sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator in Phase II development for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; DEB025 (alisporivir) is a cyclophilin inhibitor for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV); Gileny a line treatment for relapsing forms of MS; Exjade (deferasirox) is an oral iron chelator in development for use in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT); INC424 (ruxolitinib) is an investigational Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, and Zortress/Certican (everolimus) is an mTOR inhibitor with immune/non-immune cell proliferation inhibition being d! eveloped ! for prevention of solid organ transplant rejection.

Alcon Division

The Company�� Alcon Division discovers, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products. Alcon is engaged in eye care with product offerings in Surgical, Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals and Vision Care. In Surgical, Alcon develops, manufactures, distributes and sells ophthalmic surgical equipment, instruments, disposable products and intraocular lenses. In Pharmaceutical, Alcon discovers, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells medicines to treat chronic and acute diseases of the eye, as well as over-the-counter medicines for the eye. In Vision Care, Alcon develops, manufactures, distributes and sells contact lenses and lens care products.

Alcon's Surgical portfolio includes the Infiniti vision system for cataract procedures, the Constellation vision system for retinal operations, and the AcrySof family of intraocular lenses (IOLs), including the AcrySof IQ, AcrySof IQ ReSTOR, AcrySof IQ Toric and AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric IOLs. During the year ended December 31, 2011, its Alcon Division launched the LenSx femtosecond laser, a technology in cataract surgery, which increases the precision and reproductibility for corneal incisions, capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation steps of the procedure. In addition, Alcon provides advanced viscoelastics, surgical solutions, surgical packs and other disposable products for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.

Alcon Division's Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals business combines Alcon's range of pharmaceuticals with selected ophthalmic products (excluding Lucentis) previously marketed by the Novartis Pharmaceuticals Division. The products treat chronic and acute diseases of the eye including glaucoma and allergies, as well as anti-infective/anti-inflammatory and dry eye treatments. our Alcon Division's Ophthalmic Pharmaceuticals portfolio include Travatan Z solution and DuoTrav solution for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure associ! ated with! glaucoma; Vigamox solution for bacterial conjunctivitis; Pataday solution for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis; and Nevanac suspension for eye inflammation following cataract surgery. Alcon launched a number of products during 2011, including Dailies Total 1 lenses, Opti-Free EverMoist Multi Purpose Disinfecting Solution, LenSx laser, AcrySof IQ ReSTOR Toric lens, AcrySof IQ Toric T6-T9 lens, Travatan BAK-free solution, DuoTrav BAK-free solution, Moxeza solution and Systane Balance eye drops.

Sandoz Division

The Company�� Sandoz Division is a global generic pharmaceuticals company that develops, manufactures, distributes and sells prescription medicines, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnological active substances, which are not protected by valid and enforceable third-party patents. The Sandoz Division has activities in Retail Generics, Anti-Infectives, and Biopharmaceuticals and Oncology Injectables. In Retail Generics, Sandoz develops, manufactures and markets active ingredients and finished dosage forms of pharmaceuticals, as well as supplying active ingredients to third parties. In Anti-Infectives, Sandoz develops and manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates, mainly antibiotics, for internal use by retail generics and for sale to third-party customers. In Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz develops, manufactures and markets protein- or other biotechnology-based products (biosimilars or follow-on biologics) and sells biotech manufacturing services to other companies.

In Oncology Injectables, Sandoz develops, manufactures and markets primarily cytotoxic products for the hospital market. During 2011, the Company launched generic docetaxel (Taxotere), higher-strength generic amlodipine-benazepril (Lotrel), generic meropenem (Merem) injection, and the formation of a women's health portfolio with generic Seasonale, Nordette, Yaz and Yasmin. The product launched in various European countries included generic docetaxel, ge! neric ana! strazole (Arimidex), and valsartan/covalsartan (an early entry generic version of Novartis Pharmaceuticals' Diovan/Co-Diovan).

Vaccines and Diagnostics Division

The Company�� Vaccines and Diagnostics Division researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools. Novartis Vaccines is a global developer and manufacturer of human vaccines. Novartis Diagnostics is a blood testing and molecular diagnostics business dedicated to preventing the spread of infectious diseases through blood-screening tools that protect the world's blood supply. Novartis Vaccines' products include influenza, meningococcal, pediatric, adult and travel vaccines.

The Company�� influenza vaccines include Agrippal, Fluad, Fluvirin and Optaflu. Its Meningococcal Vaccines includes Menjugate and Menveo. Its travel vaccines include Encepur Children, Encepur Adults, Ixiaro and Rabipur/Rabavert. Its Pediatric Vaccines include Polioral and Quinvaxem.

Consumer Health

Consumer Health consists of two Divisions: OTC (over-the-counter medicines) and Animal Health. Each has its own research, development, manufacturing, distribution and selling capabilities. OTC offers readily available consumer medicine. Animal Health provides veterinary products for farm and companion animals.

OTC (over-the-counter medicines) offers products for the treatment and prevention of common medical conditions and ailments. OTC business focuses on a group of global brands in product categories that include treatments for cough/cold/respiratory (Triaminic, Otrivin, TheraFlu/NeoCitran), pain relief (Excedrin, Voltaren), digestive health (Benefiber, Prevacid24HR, Pantoloc Control), dermatology (Lamisil, Fenistil), and smoking cessation (Habitrol/Nicotinell).

Animal Health offers products and services focusing on both companion and farm animals (including cultivated fish). Key products for companion animals include Atopica (atopic dermatitis manageme! nt), Dera! maxx and Onsior (pain relief), Fortekor (heart failure in dogs, chronic renal insufficiency in cats), and Sentinel/Milbemax/Interceptor (intestinal parasite control and heartworm prevention), while farm animal products include the therapeutic anti-infective Denagard, an antimicrobial used to treat and control bacteria in swine, CLiK, an insect growth regulator used to control blowfly strike in sheep, cattle vaccines used to prevent respiratory and reproductive diseases in beef and dairy cattle, and Zolvix, a sheep drench representing the new sheep anthelmintic class. Aquaculture products include vaccines and treatments mainly used in salmon farming.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  One caveat: Big pharma Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) and a start-up biotech called Juno Therapeutics (at present privately held) are currently wrangling for the intellectual rights to this technology. When the dust settles, put your money on the winner.

• [By Tim Brugger]

  The Food and Drug Administration has granted Switzerland-based Novartis (NYSE: NVS  ) its "Breakthrough Therapy" (BT) designation for Novartis' acute heart failure (AHF) treatment RLX030 (serelaxin), the company announced today.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  According to Bloomberg, Novartis (NVS) has dropped out of the bidding for the high flying biotech stock on account of its high price tag:

  Novartis AG is out of the bidding for Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc., according to a person familiar with the situation.

• [By Markus Aarnio]

  Companies working on chemically synthesized siRNAs include Merck (MRK), through its subsidiary Sirna Therapeutics, Inc., Novartis (NVS), Takeda (TKPHF.PK), Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Marina Biotech, Inc., Arrowhead and its subsidiary, Calando, Quark, Silence Therapeutics plc, Tekmira (TKMR), Sylentis and Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: The Middleby Corporation (MIDD)

The Middleby Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of commercial foodservice and food processing equipment in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company?s Commercial Foodservice Equipment Group segment manufactures cooking equipment for restaurants and institutional kitchens. Its product line comprises conveyor ovens, ranges, steamers, convection ovens, combi-ovens, broilers and steam cooking equipment, induction cooking systems, baking and proofing ovens, griddles, char broilers, catering equipment, fryers, toasters, hot food servers, food warming equipment, and coffee and beverage dispensing equipment. These products are sold and marketed under the brand names of Anets, Blodgett, Blodgett Combi, Blodgett Range, Bloomfield, CTX, Carter-Hoffmann, CookTek, Doyon, Frifri, Giga, Holman, Houno, Jade, Lang, MagiKitch?n, Middleby Marshall, Nu-Vu, Pitco, PerfectFry, Southbend, Star, Toastm aster, TurboChef, and Wells. In addition, this segment involves in sales, distribution, and export management activities internationally through independent manufacturing representatives and a combined network of independent and company-owned distributors. The Middleby?s Food Processing Equipment Group segment manufactures preparation, cooking, packaging, and food safety equipment for the food processing industry. Its principal products include batch ovens, belt ovens, and conveyorized cooking systems sold under the Alkar brand name; grinding, slicing, emulsification, mixing, and blending products under the Cozzini brand name; breading, battering, mixing, slicing, and forming equipment sold under the MP Equipment brand name; and packaging and food safety equipment sold under the RapidPak brand name. The company was formerly known as Middleby Marshall Oven Company and changed its name to The Middleby Corporation in 1985. The Middleby Corporation was founded in 1888 and is bas ed in Elgin, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jim Jubak]

  And a few attractive names are down even more. Schlumberger (SLB), for instance, is down 7.1% from November 11 through December 4, and Middleby (MIDD) is down 8.8% from October 25 through December 4.

• [By Lawrence Meyers]

  Diller then spins off some of these entities into public companies, as he did with Home Shopping Network (HSNI) and timeshare company Interval Leisure Group (IILG). The company�� 52 week high was $80.64, it trades right now at $66. I�� love to make this one of my stocks to buy in the below the $50 mark, but IACI would be a bargain under $55.

  Middleby Corporation (MIDD)

  Middleby Corporation (MIDD) started as an oven company in 1888. Over its history, it has expanded into a global food service, processing, and residential kitchen equipment manufacturer and distributor.

• [By Chris Hill]

  Molex (NASDAQ: MOLX  ) is up big after Koch Industries agreed to buy the company for $7.2 billion in cash. Yum! Brands' (NYSE: YUM  ) same-store sales in China fall 10% in August. Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT  ) shares are up on news that China's exports grew more than 7% in August. And Middleby (NASDAQ: MIDD  ) closes in on a new all-time high. In this segment, the guys discuss four stocks making big moves.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: MER Telemanagement Solutions Ltd.(MTSL)

Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, markets, and supports a line of telecommunication expense management (TEM), and customer care and billing solutions for business organizations and other enterprises worldwide. Its TEM solutions assist enterprises and organizations in the allocation of costs, budget control, fraud detection, processing of payments, and spending forecasting. The company also offers converged billing solutions, including applications for charging and invoicing customers, interconnect billing, and partner revenue management through pre-pay and post-pay schemes for wireless providers, voice over Internet protocol, Internet protocol television, and content service providers. Its products provide telecommunication and information technology managers with tools to reduce communication costs, recover charges payable by third parties, and to detect and prevent abuse and misuse of telephone networks comprising fault telecommunication usage. The company markets its products through its direct sales force, distributors, and business telephone switching systems manufacturers and vendors. Mer Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Raanana, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  If you're a small cap enthusiast looking for some budding ideas, you may not need to look any further than China GengSheng Minerals, Inc. (NYSEMKT:CHGS), Bio Matrix Scientific Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:BMSN), and MER Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ:MTSL). All three have either pushed themselves to the brink of a breakout, if they haven't started one already. Here's a closer technical look at MTSL, BMSN, and CHGS, and what it's going to take to get them going if they're not going already.

• [By James E. Brumley]

  Trading can be a quirky game sometimes. Most of the time, news - or at least loudly voiced opinions - tend to result from or be the cause of a fast-moving stock. Every now and then though, as in the case with MER Telemanagement Solutions Ltd. (NASDAQ:MTSL), a stock can build up steam with little to no news linked to that move. That doesn't make that stock a poor pick, however. Indeed, MTSL looks like it's turning into a homerun, and that alone is worth a look.... and maybe even worth a shot.

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Six Flags Entertainment Corporation New(SIX)

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation owns and operates regional theme, water, and zoological parks. The company?s parks offers various selection of state-of-the-art and traditional thrill rides, water attractions, themed areas, concerts and shows, restaurants, game venues, and retail outlets. It owns and operates 19 parks, including 17 parks in the United States; 1 park in Mexico City, Mexico; and 1 park in Montreal, Canada. The company was formerly known as Six Flags, Inc. and changed its name to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation in April 2010. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation was founded in 1971 and is based in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Kell]

  Six Flags Entertainment Corp.(SIX) said its fourth-quarter revenue rose more than expected on higher admissions and an increase in in-park spending, sponsorships and accommodations. Shares edged up 3.3% to $39.50 premarket.