Mid-Day Market Update: Coach Slips After Q3 Results; Orbital Shares Spike Higher

Related BZSUM Mid-Morning Market Update: Markets Rise; Merck Earnings Beat Street View #PreMarket Primer: Tuesday, April 29: US Steps Up Sanctions Against Russia

Midway through trading Tuesday, the Dow traded up 0.49 percent to 16,529.94 while the NASDAQ surged 0.45 percent to 4,092.63. The S&P also rose, gaining 0.41 percent to 1,877.02.

Leading and Lagging Sectors
In trading on Tuesday, energy shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 1.41 percent. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included Stone Energy (NYSE: SGY), up 9 percent, and Westmoreland Coal Co (NYSE: WLB), up 7.8 percent. Industrials services shares gained by just 0.02 percent in Tuesday's trading.

Top losers in the sector included Chart Industries (NASDAQ: GTLS), Jacobs Engineering Group (NYSE: JEC), and ABB (NYSE: ABB).

Top Headline
Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) reported a 7% rise in its first-quarter profit. Merck's quarterly profit surged to $1.71 billion, or $0.57 per share, compared to a year-ago profit of $1.59 billion, or $0.52 per share. Excluding certain items, Merck earned $0.88 per share, up from $0.85 per share Its revenue dropped 4% to $10.26 billion versus $10.67 billion. However, analysts were estimating earnings of $0.79 per share on revenue of $10.43 billion. Merck reiterated its full-year earnings forecast of $2.15 to $2.47 per share.

Equities Trading UP
Kulicke and Soffa Industries (NASDAQ: KLIC) shares shot up 8.95 percent to $13.76 after the company reported upbeat Q2 earnings and issued a strong Q3 revenue forecast.

Shares of Orbital Sciences (NYSE: ORB) got a boost, shooting up 19.68 percent to $31.80 after the company and Allian Techsystems' (NYSE: ATK) Aerospace and Defense Groups agreed to combine to create Orbital ATK.

Banco Santander (Brasil) SA (NYSE: BSBR) shares were also up, gaining 15.74 percent to $6.69 on Q1 results. The company reported Q1 recurring net income of 1.427 billion reais ($637 million).

Equities Trading DOWN
Shares of Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) were 22.52 percent to $14.24 following news that AT&T (NYSE: T) intended to launch high-speed 4G in-flight connectivity service.

Chart Industries (NASDAQ: GTLS) shares tumbled 6.10 percent to $69.37 after the company reported weaker-than-expected Q1 results and lowered its FY14 outlook.

Coach (NYSE: COH) was down, falling 8.19 percent to $46.29 after the company reported downbeat quarterly sales. The company reported Q3 earnings of $0.68 per share on revenue of $1.10 billion.

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 0.89 percent to $101.74, while gold traded up 0.04 percent to $1,299.50. Silver traded down 0.50 percent Tuesday to $19.52, while copper fell 0.71 percent to $3.07.

Eurozone
European shares were higher today.

The Spanish Ibex Index surged 1.31 percent, while Italy's FTSE MIB Index rose 2.15 percent.

Meanwhile, the German DAX surged 1.48 percent and the French CAC 40 rose 0.83 percent while U.K. shares gained 0.91 percent.

Economics
The Federal Open Market Committee begins its two-day policy meeting today.

The ICSC-Goldman same-store sales index gained 1.6% in the week ended April 26 versus the prior week.

The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index dropped 0.3% in the first three weeks of April versus March.

The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index rose 0.76% in February, versus economists' expectations for a 0.80% gain. On a year-over-year basis, the index climbed 12.9% in February.

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index came in at 82.30 in April, versus a revised 83.90 in March. However, economists were expecting a reading of 83.00.

Posted-In: Earnings News Guidance Eurozone Futures Forex Global Econ #s Economics Intraday Update Markets Movers Tech

© 2014 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

  Most Popular Market Wrap For April 28: Apple Hits New 52-Week Highs In a Volatile Start To the Trading Week Apple Issuing More Bonds to Fund Increased Buyback Amazon's 'Big Spender' Act Not Impressing Investors Financials, Futures Move Lower Following News BofA Has Suspended 2014 Capital Plan Earnings Scheduled For April 29, 2014 UPDATE: Organovo Reports Pre-Release Availability of 3D Liver Contract Services Related Articles (ABB + ATK) Mid-Day Market Update: Coach Slips After Q3 Results; Orbital Shares Spike Higher Mid-Morning Market Update: Markets Rise; Merck Earnings Beat Street View Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs Zacks Rank #1 Additions for Tuesday - Tale of the Tape Morning Market Movers Orbital Sciences, Alliant Techsystems' Aerospace & Defense Groups to Combine in $5B Merger-of-Equals

Pending Home Sales Jump, End Losing Streak

Hot Solar Stocks To Own Right Now

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images WASHINGTON -- Contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes rose in March for the first time in nine months, a sign the housing market could be stabilizing after suffering a setback from a rise in interest rates and a severe winter. The National Association of Realtors said Monday its pending home sales index, based on contracts signed last month, increased 3.4 percent to 97.4. The increase beat economists' expectations for a 1 percent advance. These contracts usually become sales after a month or two, and March's rise suggested home resales could rebound in the months ahead. Sales stumbled last summer after that the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled it would soon reduce its economic stimulus efforts, pushing interest rates higher. A harsh winter also helped keep potential buyers out of the market. "The stronger pending home sales report hints at resurgence in housing market momentum during the typically busier spring buying season," said Gennadiy Goldberg, a strategist at TD Securities. Goldberg said the data suggested housing would continue to support U.S. economic growth in the coming months. The U.S. economy hit a slow patch over the winter, which was particularly harsh in much of the country, but growth is expected to rebound during the rest of 2014. The U.S. Labor Department is expected to report on Friday the economy created 210,000 jobs in April. Prices for U.S. stocks opened higher Monday, while the yield on 30-year U.S. government bonds rose following the release of the housing data. Existing home sales had fallen to their lowest levels in more than 1½ years, but details of Monday's report suggested the downward trend in sales had probably run its course, with housing inventory rising and more first-time buyers coming into the market. Despite last month's surge, pending home sales were still down 7.9 percent compared to March of last year. Contracts increased in the Northeast, in the South and in the West. They fell in the Midwest.

Here's How Prestige Brands Holdings Is Making You So Much Cash

Although business headlines still tout earnings numbers, many investors have moved past net earnings as a measure of a company's economic output. That's because earnings are very often less trustworthy than cash flow, since earnings are more open to manipulation based on dubious judgment calls.

Earnings' unreliability is one of the reasons Foolish investors often flip straight past the income statement to check the cash flow statement. In general, by taking a close look at the cash moving in and out of the business, you can better understand whether the last batch of earnings brought money into the company, or merely disguised a cash gusher with a pretty headline.

Calling all cash flows
When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Prestige Brands Holdings (NYSE: PBH  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Data is current as of last fully reported fiscal quarter. Dollar values in millions. FCF = free cash flow. FY = fiscal year. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Over the past 12 months, Prestige Brands Holdings generated $127.3 million cash while it booked net income of $65.5 million. That means it turned 20.4% of its revenue into FCF. That sounds pretty impressive.

All cash is not equal
Unfortunately, the cash flow statement isn't immune from nonsense, either. That's why it pays to take a close look at the components of cash flow from operations, to make sure that the cash flows are of high quality. What does that mean? To me, it means they need to be real and replicable in the upcoming quarters, rather than being offset by continual cash outflows that don't appear on the income statement (such as major capital expenditures).

For instance, cash flow based on cash net income and adjustments for non-cash income-statement expenses (like depreciation) is generally favorable. An increase in cash flow based on stiffing your suppliers (by increasing accounts payable for the short term) or shortchanging Uncle Sam on taxes will come back to bite investors later. The same goes for decreasing accounts receivable; this is good to see, but it's ordinary in recessionary times, and you can only increase collections so much. Finally, adding stock-based compensation expense back to cash flows is questionable when a company hands out a lot of equity to employees and uses cash in later periods to buy back those shares.

Top 5 Solar Companies To Watch In Right Now

So how does the cash flow at Prestige Brands Holdings look? Take a peek at the chart below, which flags questionable cash flow sources with a red bar.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Data is current as of last fully reported fiscal quarter. Dollar values in millions. TTM = trailing 12 months.

When I say "questionable cash flow sources," I mean items such as changes in taxes payable, tax benefits from stock options, and asset sales, among others. That's not to say that companies booking these as sources of cash flow are weak, or are engaging in any sort of wrongdoing, or that everything that comes up questionable in my graph is automatically bad news. But whenever a company is getting more than, say, 10% of its cash from operations from these dubious sources, investors ought to make sure to refer to the filings and dig in.

With 23.1% of operating cash flow coming from questionable sources, Prestige Brands Holdings investors should take a closer look at the underlying numbers. Within the questionable cash flow figure plotted in the TTM period above, other operating activities (which can include deferred income taxes, pension charges, and other one-off items) provided the biggest boost, at 20.3% of cash flow from operations. Overall, the biggest drag on FCF came from changes in accounts receivable, which represented 9.4% of cash from operations.

A Foolish final thought
Most investors don't keep tabs on their companies' cash flow. I think that's a mistake. If you take the time to read past the headlines and crack a filing now and then, you're in a much better position to spot potential trouble early. Better yet, you'll improve your odds of finding the underappreciated home-run stocks that provide the market's best returns.

Looking for alternatives to Prestige Brands Holdings? It takes more than great companies to build a fortune for the future. Learn the basic financial habits of millionaires next door and get focused stock ideas in our free report, "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." Click here for instant access to this free report.

We can help you keep tabs on your companies with My Watchlist, our free, personalized stock tracking service.

Add Prestige Brands Holdings to My Watchlist.

Can These 5 Pillars Save RadioShack's Bacon?

Another quarter has passed for RadioShack (NYSE: RSH  ) and things are still looking pretty bleak for the once high-flying electronics retailer. This past quarter revealed that while The Shack's heart is still beating, it's on life support, and I'm doubtful it will come off anytime soon.

Mmmmmm... bacon
The key to The Shack's success depends on "five pillars" that will guide the turnaround strategy. Let's take a look at these five pillars and dissect what they really mean:

Repositioning the brand: Sounds great, but the fact of the matter is, the more time that passes, the less relevant RadioShack's brand is, which makes it even more difficult to reposition.

Revamping product assortment: One of the biggest problems RadioShack faces is that consumers can get what they sell virtually anywhere; there's no real differentiation at this point. And this problem is only growing worse.

Reinvigorating stores: The stores are part of the problem indeed, but I'm not sure reinvigorating them is going to make much of a difference. For the most part it's a matter of convenience, not the experience.

Operational efficiency: This is a must. Margins all the way across have fallen off a cliff for these guys, and if they don't pull it together it's over, Johnny.

Financial flexibility: Anytime a company calls out their financial flexibility in the release as "total liquidity," red flags should go up. This means they are looking at everything they have; it's not necessarily a good thing. Total liquidity of $818 million doesn't matter much if sales aren't going anywhere. And when we look at how RadioShack's most recent sales stack up against some formidable competitors, it's a tough road ahead:

Company

TTM Revenue
(in millions)

TTM Net Income
(in millions)

RadioShack	$4,189	($206.8)
Best Buy	$48,191	($720.1)
Wal-Mart	$470,339	$17,041
Target	$73,140	$2,800

TTM = trailing 12 months.

Give me the "how"
Management is bringing in a team to try to help turn this boat around. AlixPartners, a global business advisory firm specializing in turnarounds, is in the mix now along with Peter J. Solomon Company, which is an investment banking firm. Both hires are signs that RadioShack is digging in to try to figure out how to deal with a difficult situation, and they may very well have some creative ideas. But former CFO Dorvin Lively isn't sticking around to find out. He's taken off for greener pastures, and an interim CFO (a director at AlixPartners) has been named in light of his departure.

The Foolish bottom line
I can't say I'm all that optimistic where RadioShack's future is concerned, but maybe there's some potential here. While sales have remained flat over the last five years, management's pillars are at least an effort to get things moving. For me, though, they speak more to the "what" as opposed to the "how." And it's the "how" that really matters, isn't it? If RadioShack turns this ship around, it will be epic. I for one, though, will not be holding my breath.

Click here to follow Jason on Twitter.

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Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now

BALTIMORE (Stockpickr) -- The S&P 500 has had a blockbuster year so far in 2013. At last count, shares of the big index have rocketed 23% higher since the start of the calendar year. So if you're not thinking defensively right now, you could be in for a rude awakening.

>>5 Stocks Poised for Breakouts

In football, the saying goes: The best defense is a good offense. That might be good advice for Super Bowl contenders, but it's terrible advice for investors.

As an investor, the best defense is a, well, good defense. And the best offense is a good defense too.

That's not just some investing platitude. It's backed up by stock market research. According to data collected by Cambria Investment Management CIO Mebane Faber, missing the best and worst days of the year with a defensive market posture actually outperforms a buy-and-hold approach.

So today, we're going defensive with five "sin stocks."

>>Do You Own These Blue-Chips? Sell Them!

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Dorchester Minerals L.P.(DMLP)

Dorchester Minerals, L.P. engages in the acquisition, ownership, and administration of producing and non-producing natural gas and crude oil royalty, net profits, and leasehold interests in the United States. Its net profits interests represent net profits overriding royalty interests in various properties owned by the operating partnership; and royalty properties consist of producing and nonproducing mineral, royalty, overriding royalty, net profits, and leasehold interests located in 574 counties and parishes in 25 states. Dorchester Minerals Management LP serves as the general partner of Dorchester Minerals, L.P. The company was founded in 1982 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Robert Rapier]

  Q: The writer before you did not like Dorchester.  Could you research it and give a recommendation by the next chat?

  Dorchester Minerals (Nasdaq: DMLP) is a Texas-based partnership that owns producing and non-producing crude oil and natural gas properties, royalty, overriding royalty, net profits, and leasehold interests. The partnership is primarily a natural gas producer, and the biggest knock against it historically is that it hasn’t done a great job of growing proved reserves:
  
  
  
  

  Dorchester Minerals Reserves History. Source: Dorchester Minerals Investor Presentation

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund Inc. (GDF)

Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund Inc. operates as a close-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and advised by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC. The fund is sub-advised by Western Asset Management Company. It primarily invests in the fixed income markets across the globe. The fund invests in high-yield U.S. and non-U.S. corporate debt securities and high-yield foreign sovereign debt securities. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index and the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global Index. The fund was formerly known as Salomon Brothers Global Partners Income Fund Inc. Western Asset Global Partners Income Fund was founded in 1993 and is based in the United States.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chuck Carnevale]

  Our first example looks at Vectren Corp.�� historical earnings, a utility with a 15-year historical earnings growth rate that is below our 3% threshold established in Part 1. Note that fair valuation is calculated using Graham Dodd�� Formula (GDF) deriving a fair value PE of 13.8 (slightly below, but close to our PE 15 standard). However, a normal PE of 16 has been historically applied by Mr. Market. Therefore, valuation falls between a PE of 13.8 to 16, or well within a range of normalcy.

Top 5 Undervalued Companies To Invest In Right Now: CNinsure Inc.(CISG)

CNinsure Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance brokerage and agency services, and insurance claims adjusting services in the People?s Republic of China. The company offers property, casualty, and life insurance products underwritten by domestic and foreign insurance companies operating in China. Its property and casualty insurance products include automobile, individual accident, commercial property, homeowner, cargo, hull, liability, and construction insurance; and life insurance products comprise individual whole life insurance, term life insurance, education annuity, and health insurance, as well as universal insurance and group life insurance. The company also offers insurance claims adjusting services, which include pre-underwriting survey, claims adjusting, disposal of residual value, loading and unloading supervision, and consulting services, as well as damage assessment, survey, authentication, and loss estimation to insurance companies and the i nsured; and value-added services to its customers in conjunction with distributing automobile insurance products. As of April 15, 2010, its distribution and service network consisted of 49 insurance agencies, 3 insurance brokerages, and 4 claims adjusting firms, with 571 sales and service outlets. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Guangzhou, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  CNinsure (NASDAQ: CISG) is projected to post its Q4 earnings at $0.10 per share.

  Ferrellgas Partners LP (NYSE: FGP) is expected to report its Q2 earnings at $0.85 per share on revenue of $722.07 million.

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: SABMiller PLC (SBMRY)

SABMiller plc, incorporated on March 17, 1998, is a holding company, which has brewing and beverage interests across six continents. The Company together with its subsidiaries is engaged in the manufacture, distribution and sale of beverages. The Company is a brewer with more than 200 beer brands. The Company�� portfolio of brands includes international beers, such as Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch, as well as local brands, such as Aguila, Castle, Miller Lite, Snow, Tyskie and Victoria Bitter. It is a bottler for the Coca-Cola Company in Africa and Central America. It operates in Latin America, Europe, North America, Africa, Asia Pacific, and South Africa.

Latin America

The Company�� primary brewing and beverage operations cover six countries across South and Central America (Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Peru). The Company is brewer in Argentina, and it exports to Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay. It bottles soft drinks for The Coca-Cola Company in El Salvador and Honduras, and for Pepsico International in Panama.

Europe

The Company�� primary brewing operations cover eight countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain (Canary Islands) and the Netherlands. A further 16 countries, including Russia, Turkey and the Ukraine are covered in a strategic alliance with Anadolu Efes through brewing, soft drinks or export operations. The Company exports volumes to a further seven European markets, of which the largest are the United Kingdom and Germany.

North America

The Company�� North America segment includes its 58% owned MillerCoors and 100% of Miller Brewing International and the its North American holding companies. The Company�� wholly owned Miller Brewing International business is based in Milwaukee, the United States and exports its brands to Canada and Mexico and throughout the Americas.

Africa

The Compa! ny�� brewing and beverage operations in Africa cover 15 countries. A further 21 are covered through a strategic alliance with the Castel group and it also has an associated undertaking in Zimbabwe. The Company bottles soft drinks for The Coca-Cola Company in 20 of its African markets (in alliance with Castel in 14 of these markets).

Asia Pacific

The Company�� partners with China Resources Enterprise, Limited in China. The Company is engaged in brewing business in India. The Company has operation in Vietnam and it exports to various markets, including South Korea and Singapore.

South Africa

The Company�� South African Breweries (Pty) Ltd (SAB) is South Africa�� producer and distributor of lager and soft drinks. It also exports brands for distribution across Namibia. Its soft drinks division is bottler of products for The Coca-Cola Company. The Company has hotel and gaming interests through its associate, Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd, a hotel and gaming group in South Africa.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Barry James]

  LONDON -- In its final results for the year to March 31, SABMiller (LSE: SAB  ) (NASDAQOTH: SBMRY  ) , the global beverage-brewer and bottler with more than 200 beer brands and Coca-Cola bottling operations, saw group revenue increase by 10% to $34.5 billion and EBITA rise 14% to $6.4 billion, while pre-tax profit fell 16% to $4.7 billion.

• [By Rex Moore]

  The craft brewing industry saw 15% volume growth in 2012, while the big guys -- led by Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD  ) and SABMiller (NASDAQOTH: SBMRY  ) , are watching their megabrands lose market share.

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Genuine Parts Company (GPC)

Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates in four segments: Automotive Parts Group, Industrial Parts Group, Office Products Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The Automotive Parts Group segment distributes automotive replacement parts for imported vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles, small engines, farm equipment, and heavy duty equipment. This segment also distributes accessory items used in the automotive aftermarket, such as repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns, and individuals. It owns and operates automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores under the NAPA name. The Industrial Parts G roup segment distributes industrial replacement parts and related supplies, such as bearings, mechanical power transmission, industrial automation, hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial supplies, and material handling products. This segment serves various industries, including the food, forest products, primary metal, paper, mining, automotive, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The Office Products Group segment involves in the wholesale distribution of a line of office and other business related products that are used in the daily operation of businesses, schools, offices, and institutions. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group segment distributes insulating and conductive materials, assembly tools, test equipment, and custom fabricated parts. This segment provides distribution services to original equipment manufacturers, motor repair shops, and assembly markets. The company was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Aftermarket auto parts supplier Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC  ) �reported first-quarter earnings that came up short of the Capital IQ consensus estimates, while also missing top-line�expectations, as well.

• [By Dividends4Life]

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• [By Lawrence Meyers]

  That’s just one reason DD, with its 2.8% yield, is still one of the best dividend stocks. Plus, the payout has historically been about 50% of free cash flow.

  Death-Defying Dividend Stocks: Genuine Parts Co. (GPC)

  Dividend Yield: 2.53%

• [By Lawrence Meyers]

  Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is a $12 billion company with 1,100 Napa Auto Parts stores in the US, Canada, and Mexico.�It holds $250 million in debt and $197 million in cash. �Free cash flow improved to $800 million in FY12 from $600 million in FY11. GPC has a projected long term-growth rate of 10%, and trades at a FY13 P/E of 19, so I consider it vastly overvalued.

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Ryder System Inc.(R)

Ryder System, Inc. provides transportation and supply chain management solutions. It operates in three segments: Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), and Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC). The FMS segment offers leasing, contract maintenance, contract-related maintenance, and commercial rental of trucks, tractors, and trailers primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also offers fleet support services, such as fuel, insurance, safety, administration, environmental management, and information technology services. In addition, this segment sells its used vehicles through 55 company owned retail sales centers, as well as through its Web site, Usedtrucks.Ryder.com. Its customers include small businesses and enterprises operating in transportation, grocery, lumber and wood products, food service, and home furnishings industries. The SCS segment provides supply chain consulting solutions in North America and Asia. It offers di stribution management, transportation management, and professional services, as well as various support services, such as information technology and engineering solutions. This segment primarily serves automotive, electronics, high-tech, telecommunications, industrial, consumer goods, consumer packaged goods, paper and paper products, office equipment, food and beverage, and general retail industries. The DCC segment offers vehicles and drivers as part of a transportation solution in the United States. It combines the equipment, maintenance, and administrative services of a service lease with drivers and additional services, such as routing and scheduling, fleet sizing, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, technology and communication systems support, and other technical support. This segment serves energy and utility, metals and mining, retail, construction, healthcare products, and food and beverage industries. The company was founded in 1933 and is based in Mia mi, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James Miller Phd]

  Required Rate of Return (r)

  The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) estimates the required return on equity using the following formula: required return on stockj = risk-free rate + beta of j x equity risk premium

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Investment Technology Group Inc (ITG)

Investment Technology Group, Inc. (ITG), incorporated on March 10, 1994, is an independent execution and research broker that partners with global portfolio managers and traders to provide data-driven insights throughout the investment process. It operates in three segments: United States Operations, Canadian Operations, European Operations and Asia Pacific Operations. The United States Operations segment provides electronic and trade execution, trade order and execution management, network connectivity, analytical products and investment research services. The Canadian and Asia Pacific Operations segments provide electronic and high-touch trade execution, trade execution management, network connectivity, analytical products and investment research services. The European Operations segment provides electronic and high-touch trade execution, trade order and execution management, network connectivity and analytical products and includes a technology research and development facility in Israel.

ITG offers a range of solutions for asset managers in the areas of electronic brokerage, research sales and trading, trading platforms and analytics. These offerings include trade execution services and solutions for portfolio management, as well as investment research, pre-trade analytics and post-trade analytics and processing. Its principal subsidiaries include: ITG Inc., AlterNet Securities, Inc., ITG Derivatives LLC, Investment Technology Group Limited, ITG Australia Limited, ITG Canada Corp., ITG Hong Kong Limited, ITG Software Solutions, Inc. and ITG Solutions Network, Inc.

Electronic Brokerage

ITG electronic brokerage services include self-directed trading using algorithms, smart routing and matching through POSIT in cash equities (including single stocks and portfolio lists), futures and options. ITG Algorithms and ITG Smart Router offer portfolio managers and traders a way to trade orders quickly, from any ITG Execution Management System (EMS) or ITG Order Managemen! t System (OMS) and third-party trading platforms. ITG Algorithms help users pursue execution through two suites: ITG Single Stock Algorithms and ITG List-Based Algorithms. ITG Smart Router offers an alternative to routing trades that can help capture liquidity with a combination of speed and confidentiality. These routers continuously scan markets for liquidity with an emphasis on trading without displaying the order.

POSIT Alert is a buyside-only block crossing mechanism within POSIT. POSIT Alert scans uncommitted shares from participating clients. When a crossing opportunity is detected, POSIT Alert notifies the relevant users that a matching opportunity exists. POSIT Marketplace provides access to POSIT liquidity, the dark pools of other ATSs, and certain exchange hidden order types. POSIT Marketplace is a dark pool aggregator that provides clients with access to a range of liquidity destinations. POSIT Marketplace uses advanced quantitative techniques in an effort to protect clients from gaming and to interact with quality liquidity. ITG Derivatives provides electronic-listed futures and options trading, including algorithmic trading and direct market access. ITG offers options features for traders employing volatility or delta-neutral strategies and also provides low-latency application programming interfaces.

ITG offers guidance, administration, and consolidation of client commission arrangements across the range of preferred brokerage and research providers of its clients using ITG Commission Manager, a robust, multi-asset Web-based commission management portal. Through stock borrow and stock loan transactions, ITG facilitates shortened or extended settlement periods to help clients meet their internal cash flow needs.

Research Sales & Trading

ITG provides unbiased, data-driven equity research through its ITG Investment Research subsidiary. This offering has expanded ITG's client relationships beyond the trading desk to chief investment officer! s, portfo! lio managers and analysts. ITG Market Research offers market research capabilities to corporate clients within the healthcare and telecom industries. The healthcare market research practice combines survey results with empirical data to deliver syndicated and custom reporting capabilities. ITG provides high-touch sales trading and portfolio trading for institutional clients. ITG's high-touch trading desk is staffed with experienced trading professionals who provide ITG clients with execution expertise and also convey trading ideas based on ITG Investment Research.

Trading Platforms

ITG EMSs are designed to meet the needs of disparate trading styles. Triton Derivatives is a broker-neutral direct access EMS that provides traders with access to scalable, low-latency, multi-asset trading opportunities. ITG OMS combines portfolio management, compliance functionality (ITG Compliance Monitoring System), trading and post-trade processing (ITG Trade Operations Outsourcing), and a fully integrated and supported financial services communications network (ITG Net) with a consolidated, outsourced service for global trade matching and settlement (ITG Trade Operations Outsourcing) that provides connectivity to the industry's post-trade utilities, support for multiple, flexible settlement communications methods and a real-time process monitor. ITG Net is a global financial communications network that provides secure, reliable and fully supported connectivity between buy-side and sell-side firms for order routing and indication-of-interest messages from ITG and third-party trading platforms.

ITG's commitment to execution platforms also extends to broker-neutral operational services to help ensure that trades clear and settle efficiently, and to significantly lower the transaction costs associated with trade tickets. The ITG Smart Trading Analytics suite enables portfolio managers and traders to improve execution performance before the trade happens (pre-trade) and during trading ! (real-tim! e) by providing reliable portfolio analytics and risk models that help them perform predictive analyses, manage risk, change strategy and reduce trading costs. ITG Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA) offers measurement and reporting capabilities to analyze performance across the trading continuum. ITG Alpha Capture Reporting measures cost at every point of the investment process and provides portfolio managers with quarterly analytical reviews, written interpretations and on-site consultative recommendations to enhance performance.

ITG provides tools to assist asset managers with portfolio decision-making tasks from portfolio construction and optimization to the enterprise challenges of global, real-time portfolio compliance monitoring and the fair valuation of securities. ITG Portfolio Fair Value Service helps mutual fund managers meet their obligations to investors and regulators to fairly price the securities within their funds, and helps minimize the impact of market timing. ITG Portfolio Optimization System allows portfolio managers to develop new portfolio construction strategies and solve complex optimization problems. ITG Portfolio Optimization System allows users to accurately model tax liability, transaction costs and long/short objectives, while adhering to diverse portfolio-specific constraints.

Non-U.S. Operations

ITG has a development center in Tel Aviv. In Asia Pacific, ITG has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Singapore. Local representation in regional markets provides an important advantage for ITG. ITG also provides electronic and high-touch trading for Latin American equities, including algorithms for Brazil and Mexico, from its New York headquarters.

Canadian Operations

ITG Canada provides electronic brokerage services, including ITG Algorithms, ITG Smart Router and the POSIT suite, as well as high-touch agency execution and portfolio trading services. In addition, ITG Canada provides Triton, Triton Derivatives! , connect! ivity services, ITG Single Ticket Clearing, ITG Portfolio Optimization System, ITG Smart Trading Analytics, ITG TCA and investment research services. ITG Canada also engages in principal trading activities. ITG Canada's customers primarily consist of asset and investment managers, broker-dealers and hedge funds.

European Operations

ITG Europe focuses on trading European, Middle Eastern and African equities, as well as providing ITG's technologies to its clients. ITG Europe provides electronic brokerage services, including ITG Algorithms, ITG Smart Router, and the POSIT suite, as well as high-touch agency execution and portfolio trading services. ITG Europe also provides ITG OMS, Triton, connectivity services, ITG Single Ticket Clearing, ITG TCA, ITG Alpha Capture Reporting and ITG Smart Trading Analytics.

Asia Pacific Operations

ITG provides institutional investors with a range of ITG's products and services including trade execution, trade execution management through Triton, connectivity services and pre-and post-trade analysis through ITG TCA and ITG Smart Trading Analytics. Execution services are provided through electronic brokerage products such as ITG Algorithms and the POSIT suite and through an experienced high-touch agency trading services team. Other trading tools provided by ITG Hong Kong include Triton, connectivity services, ITG TCA and ITG Smart Trading Analytics. ITG Singapore provides institutional investors in Singapore with a range of ITG's products and services including electronic and high-touch execution services, trade execution management through Triton and trading analysis through ITG TCA and ITG Smart Trading Analytics.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Investment Technology Group Inc. (NYSE: ITG) was downgraded to Market Perform from outperform by Keefe�Bruyette & Woods.

  Liquidity Services Inc. (NASDAQ: LQDT) was raised to Buy from Underperform, and the price target was raised up to $45 from $28.50, at Merrill Lynch.

• [By victorselva]

  The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) is a savings and loan holding company. The company is engaged, through its subsidiaries, in securities brokerage, banking, money management, and financial advisory services. Its subsidiaries include Charles Schwab & Co. (a leading discount broker-dealer), Charles Schwab Investment Management (a mutual fund investment advisor) and Charles Schwab Bank.In this article, let's take a look at this brokerage firm and try to explain to investors the reasons this is an apparently appealing investment opportunity.The FocusThe company provides financial services to individuals and institutional clients through two segments: Investor Services and Institutional Services. The Investor Services segment provides retail brokerage and banking services to individual investors. The Institutional Services segment provides custodial, trading, and support services to independent investment advisors. The Institutional Services segment also provides retirement plan services, specialty brokerage services, and mutual fund clearing services. The company seeks to meet the financial services needs of investors, advisers and employers. It focuses on building client loyalty with the goal of attracting new clients and serving them. Additionally, Schwab麓s strengths through shared core processes and technology advances which help create services that are scalable and consistent with the business.Interest Rates, Capital Structure and Debt-to-Capital RatioThe results are dependent on short-term interest rates, as 37% of its top line came from net interest income in the first quarter of 2014.The broker has been making significant efforts to become less dependent on interest rates, which we expect Federal Reserve will raise them in late 2014 or 2015. Also, the company麓s plan is to reach a low-cost capital structure and targets a long-term debt-to-total financial capital ratio of less than 30%.Lucrative Derivatives Trading In 2011, the company acquired Compl

Hot Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Atmos Energy Corporation(ATO)

Atmos Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages primarily in the distribution, transmission, and storage of natural gas in the United States. The company operates in four segments: Natural Gas Distribution; Regulated Transmission and Storage; Natural Gas Marketing; and Pipeline, Storage, and Other. The Natural Gas Distribution segment involves in regulated natural gas distribution business and related sales operations. It distributes natural gas through regulated sales and transportation arrangements to approximately 3 million residential, commercial, public authority, and industrial customers in 12 states located primarily in the southern United States. As of September 30, 2009, this segment owned approximately 70,879 miles of underground distribution and transmission mains. The Regulated Transmission and Storage segment transports natural gas for third parties and manages five underground storage reservoirs in Texas. It owned 5,950 miles of gas transmis sion and gathering lines. The Natural Gas Marketing segment provides various natural gas management and marketing services to municipalities, other local gas distribution companies, and industrial customers. The Pipeline, Storage, and Other segment offers natural gas gathering, transmission, and storage services. It owned 113 miles of gas transmission and gathering lines. Atmos Energy Corporation was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Marc Courtenay]

  Another lesser-known possibility is Atmos Energy (ATO), the $3.93 billion (market cap) company that engages in the distribution, transmission, and storage of natural gas in the United States. As of the last quarter of 2012, its year-over-year EPS growth was 17.5%.

Hubbell Beats Analyst Estimates on EPS

Hubbell (NYSE: HUBB  ) reported earnings on July 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Hubbell met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew slightly. GAAP earnings per share grew.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
Hubbell tallied revenue of $801.3 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated revenue of $801.9 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.37. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.31 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.37 for Q2 were 6.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.29 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 33.9%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 16.5%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.2%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $842.9 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.62.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.20 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.44.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Hubbell is outperform, with an average price target of $99.00.

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Top 5 Gas Companies To Invest In 2015

On Jul 5, 2013, the shares of Noble Energy Inc. (NBL) climbed to its 52-week high of $62.76 primarily on the back of the company�� strong liquidity position, a series of property sales and solid exploration ventures. We believe these catalysts will likely enhance its future performance.

Noble Energy strives to maintain a stable liquidity position to keep its financials sound. The cash balance as of Mar 31, 2013 was $1.3 billion while discretionary cash flow for the first quarter was $761 million. The company�� available liquidity at the end of Mar 31, 2013 was $5.3 billion. In 2013, the company intends to invest $3.9 billion for several projects. A strong liquidity position will help Noble Energy to meet its future capital requirements.

Recently, Noble Energy made a number of significant transactions. The company inked a deal with the Cyprus government for the development of a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal on the Eastern Mediterranean. The company reported positive appraisal results from its Gunflint prospect in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Further, Noble Energy announced its seventh natural gas discovery at the Karish field off the coast of Israel in the Levant basin.

Top 5 Gas Companies To Invest In 2015: Energold Drilling Corp (EGDFF.PK)

Energold Drilling Corp. provides, directly and through its subsidiaries, contract diamond drilling services for parties principally in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Africa and Asia. The Company, through its subsidiary, designs and manufactures specialty/customized drilling rigs and associated equipment for water well, mineral exploration and geotechnical drilling companies. It, through its subsidiary, also provides drilling and other services to the energy sector in Canada and the United States. It has five segments: Drilling Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America; Drilling South America; Drilling Africa, Asia and Other; Drilling Canada (Corporate); Manufacturing, and Energy. On January 14, 2011 the Company acquired Dando Drilling International Ltd. In April 2013, the Company�� Dando International Drilling Ltd announced that it has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Dando Drilling Services Ltd. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Itinerant]

  Following a period of rampant growth in 2010 and 2011 Energold Drilling Corp (EGDFF.PK) has struggled to remain profitable throughout 2012 and into 2013. The general decline in the resource sector has left its mark on margins and contract volume. The company has maintained a robust balance sheet and can survive further hardship if necessary.

Top 5 Gas Companies To Invest In 2015: Statoil ASA (STO)

Statoil ASA (Statoil), incorporated on September 18, 1972, is an integrated energy company primarily engaged in oil and gas exploration and production activities. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had business operations in 41 countries and territories. Effective from January 1, 2011, the Company�� segments were Development and Production Norway; Development and Production International; Marketing, Processing and Renewable Energy; Fuel & Retail, Other. As of 31 December 2011, the Company had proved reserves of 2,276 million barrels (mmbbl) and 3,150 billion cubic meters (bcm) (equivalent to 17,681 trillion cubic feet (tcf)) of natural gas, corresponding to aggregate proved reserves of 5,426 mmboe. In December 2011, the Company acquired Brigham Exploration Company. On April 14, 2011, Statoil's formation of a joint venture and sale of 40% of the Peregrino field off the coast of Brazil to the Sinochem Group was closed. With effect from January 2011, Statoil formed a joint venture with PTTEP of Thailand in its oil sands business and, as part of that transaction, sold PTTEP a 40% interest in the leases in Alberta, Canada. Statoil retains 60% ownership and operatorship of the oil sands project. In June 2012, the Company divested its 54% interest in Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA to Alimentation Couche-Tard.

Development and Production Norway

Development and Production Norway (DPN) consists of the Company�� field development and operational activities on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). Development and Production Norway is the operator of 44 developed fields on the NCS. Statoil's equity and entitlement production on the NCS was 1.316 mmboe per day in 2011, which was about 71% of Statoil's total production. Acting as operator, DPN is responsible for approximately 72% of all oil and gas production on the NCS. In 2011, its average daily production of oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) on the NCS was 693 mboe, while its average daily gas production on the NCS was 99.1 mmcm (3.5 b! illion cubic feet (bcf)). The Company has an ownership interests in exploration acreage throughout the licensed parts of the NCS, both within and outside its production areas. It participates in 227 licenses on the NCS and is the operator for 171 of them. As of 31 December 2011, Statoil had a total of 1,369 mmbbl of proved oil reserves and 444 bcm (15.7 tcf) of proved natural gas reserves on the NCS. Total entitlement liquids and gas production in 2011 amounted to 1,316 mmboe per day.

Statoil's NCS portfolio consists of licenses in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. It has organized its production operations into four business clusters: Operations South, Operations North Sea West, Operations North Sea East and Operations North. The Operations South and Operations North Sea West and East clusters cover its licenses in the North Sea. Operations North covers the Company�� licenses in the Norwegian Sea and in the Barents Sea, while partner-operated fields cover the entire NCS and are included internally in the Operations South business cluster. During 2011, it two Statoil-operated oil discoveries: the Aldous discovery (PL265) in the North Sea and the Skrugard discovery (PL532) in the Barents Sea. The Aldous Major South discovery in PL265 on the Utsira Height in the Sleipner area is situated 140 kilometers west of Stavanger and 35 kilometers south of the Grane field. The Skrugard discovery is located about 250 kilometers off the coast from the Melkoya LNG plant in Hammerfest.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company�� fields under development included the Gudrun, Valemon, Visund South, Hyme, Stjerne, Vigdis North-East, Skuld, Vilje South, Skarv, and Marulk. In 2011, the Company�� total entitlement oil and NGL production in Norway was 252 mmbbl, and gas production was 36.2 bcm (1,287 bcf). The main producing fields in the Operations South area are Statfjord, Snorre, Tordis, Vigdis, Sleipner and partner-operated fields. Operations North Sea East is a gas area tha! t also co! ntains quantities of oil. The area includes the Troll, Fram, Vega, Oseberg and Tune fields. The Company�� producing fields in the Operations North area are Asgard, Mikkel, Yttergryta, Heidrun, Kristin, Tyrihans, Norne, Urd, Alve, Njord, Snohvit and Morvin.

Development and Production International

Development and Production International (DPI) is responsible for the development and production of oil and gas outside the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). In 2011, the segment was engaged in production in 12 countries: Canada, the United States, Brazil, Venezuela, Angola, Nigeria, Iran, Algeria, Libya, Azerbaijan, Russia and the United Kingdom. In 2011, DPI produced 28.9% of Statoil's total equity production of oil and gas. Statoil has exploration licenses in North America (Gulf of Mexico, Canada and Alaska), South America and sub-Saharan Africa (Brazil, Cuba, Suriname, Venezuela, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania), Middle East and North Africa (Libya and Iran) and Europe and Asia (the Faeroes, Greenland, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan and Indonesia). The main sanctioned development projects in which DPI is involved are in the United States, Angola and Canada. The Brigham Exploration Company acquisition added production of approximately 21 mboe per day (as of December) to Statoil's production and gave access to 1,500 square kilometers (375,000 acres) in the Bakken and Three Forks formations in the Williston Basin.

The Company has exploration licenses in North America (Gulf of Mexico, Canada and Alaska), South America and sub-Saharan Africa (Brazil, Cuba, Suriname, Venezuela, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania), Middle East and North Africa (Libya and Iran), and Europe and Asia (the Faroes, Greenland, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan and Indonesia). It completed 16 wells in 2011. Five were announced as discoveries: the Mukuvo and Lira discoveries in Angola, the Gavea and Peregrino South discovery in Brazil and the Logan discovery in Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Statoil acquired in! terests i! n six new licenses in Indonesia in 2011. Statoil has activities in the United States, with approximately 300 exploration leases in the GoM and 66 in Alaska. It is also an operator and partner in exploration licenses off the coast of Newfoundland in Canada. Statoil is operator and partner in exploration licenses off the coast of Newfoundland (11,138 square kilometers). It has exploration licenses in Brazil, Cuba, Suriname, Venezuela, Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania. The Company has licenses in Libya, Iran, Faroes, Greenland, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan and Indonesia. In 2011, Statoil's petroleum production outside Norway amounted to an average of 334 mboe per day of entitlement production and 534 mboe per day of equity production.

The Company has activities in the United States Gulf of Mexico, the Appalachian region, south-west Texas, the Williston Basin, off the East Coast of Canada and in the oil sands of Alberta, Canada. It also has a representative office in Mexico City. Offshore, the Company has production interests in Hibernia and Terra Nova, and interests in two development projects. Its development and production activities in South America and sub-Saharan Africa comprise the Peregrino operatorship in Brazil, the Petrocedeno project in Venezuela, the Agbami offshore field in Nigeria and four Angolan offshore blocks. Statoil's development and production in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, primarily encompassed Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Iran and Iraq. The Company�� Development and Production in Europe and Asia primarily comprises Azerbaijan, Russia, United Kingdom and Ireland.

Marketing, Processing and Renewable Energy

Marketing, Processing and Renewable Energy (MPR) is responsible for the transportation, processing, manufacturing, marketing and trading of crude oil, natural gas, liquids and refined products, and for developing business opportunities in renewables. It runs two refineries, two gas processing plants, one methanol plant and three crude! oil term! inals. MPR is also responsible for marketing gas supplies originating from the Norwegian state's direct financial interest (SDFI). In total, it is responsible for marketing approximately 80% of all Norwegian gas exports. In 2011, Statoil sold 36.1 bcm (1.3 tcf) of natural gas from the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) on its own behalf, in addition to approximately 33.5 bcm (1.2 tcf) of NCS gas on behalf of the Norwegian state. Statoil's total European gas sales, including third-party gas, amounted to 79.8 bcm (2.9 tcf) in 2011, of which 39.5 bcm (1.4 tcf) was gas sold on behalf of the Norwegian state. The Natural Gas business cluster is responsible for Statoil's marketing and trading of natural gas worldwide, for power and emissions trading and for overall gas supply planning. In 2011, the Company sold 36.1 bcm (1.3 tcf) of natural gas from the NCS on its own behalf, in addition to approximately 33.5 bcm (1.2 tcf) of NCS gas on behalf of the Norwegian state. Statoil's total European gas sales, including third-party gas, amounted to 79.8 bcm (2.9 tcf) in 2011, of which 39.5 bcm (1.4 tcf) was gas sold on behalf of the Norwegian state. In addition, it sold 5.5 bcm (0.2 tcf) of gas originating from its international positions, mainly in Azerbaijan and the United States, of which 2.7 bcm (0.1 tcf) was entitlement gas. As technical service provider (TSP), Statoil is responsible for the operation, maintenance and further development of the Karsto gas processing plant on behalf of the operator Gassco.

Statoil is the seller of crude oil, operating from sales offices in Stavanger, Oslo, London, Singapore, Stamford and Calgary and selling and trading crude oil, condensate, NGL and refined products. Statoil holds the lease for the South Riding Point crude oil terminal in the Bahamas, which includes, oil storage as well as loading and unloading facilities. It also operates the Mongstad terminal and has shared ownership with Petoro. The Company is a majority owner (79%) and operator of the Mongstad ref! inery in ! Norway, which has a crude oil and condensate distillation capacity of 220,000 barrels per day. It is the sole owner and operator of the Kalundborg refinery in Denmark, which has a crude oil and condensate distillation capacity of 118,000 barrels per day. In addition, it has rights to 10% of production capacity at the Shell-operated refinery in Pernis in the Netherlands, which has a crude oil distillation capacity of 400,000 barrels per day. The Company�� methanol operations consist of an 81.7% interest in the gas-based methanol plant at Tjeldbergodden, Norway, which has a design capacity of 0.95 million tons per year. It also operates the Oseberg Transportation System (36.2% interest), including the Sture crude oil terminal.

Technology, Projects and Drilling

Technology, Projects and Drilling (TPD) is responsible, as a global service provider to Statoil, for delivering projects and wells and for providing support through global expertise, standards and procurement. TPD is also responsible developing and implementing new technological solutions. Statoil's research and development portfolio is organized in seven programs covering the upstream building blocks. The research and development organization operates and develops laboratories and test facilities and has an academia program that addresses cooperation with universities and research institutes.

Global Strategy and Business Development

Global Strategy and Business Development (GSB) was established in 2011, with its main office in London. GSB sets the direction for Statoil and identifies, develops and delivers opportunities for global growth.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Aaron Levitt]

  The second issue for CIE and Lontra is that there is a lack of infrastructure in Angola to even consider using gas from the field. Oil majors like ConocoPhillips (COP) and Norway�� Statoil (STO) are looking at building liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation facilities in the nation. However, these projects could take years to develop. At the same time, getting the gas from Lontra to these facilities would take plenty of infrastructure muscle — something that doesn�� exist yet. So, CIE�� field could be dead in the water.

• [By Bruce Kennedy]

  Other oil companies also appear to be having second thoughts about their Arctic projects. Last April, ConocoPhilips (NYSE: COP) said its 2014 drilling plans in Alaska's Chukchi Sea were ��n hold due to regulatory uncertainties.��And according to the Anchorage Daily News, the Norwegian multinational Statoil (NYSE: STO) announced in 2012 it was delaying exploration plans in the area as well.

• [By Robert Rapier]

  Over the past 12 months, domestic integrated oil companies like Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) are up 13 percent and 8 percent respectively, while Statoil (NYSE: STO) is down by 8 percent over the same period. Results were mixed for Statoil’s European peers, with Total (NYSE: TOT) up 11 percent and Eni (NYSE: E) down 6 percent.

• [By Michael Fitzsimmons]

  The Oil & Gas business also provides key technology used in extraction, development, and environmental protection of shale gas. GE is the
  world leader in gas-powered generation and transportation. Under water, last year GE launched the first subsea compressor for Statoil (STO), creating an industry-leading position in a new market.

Top Oil Service Companies To Buy Right Now: Questerre Energy Corp (QEC)

Questerre Energy Corporation (Questerre) is engaged in the exploration for, and the development, production and acquisition of oil and gas projects, particularly shale oil and gas. Questerre holds assets in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec. Questerre has three core areas where it conducts the majority of its activity: Oil Shale Mining, Western Canada and the St. Lawrence Lowlands, Quebec. The Company has a 100% interest in two licenses covering approximately 100,000 acres in the Pasquia Hills area of east central Saskatchewan. The Antler area is approximately 200 kilometers from Regina in southeast Saskatchewan. The Vulcan area in Southern Alberta is prospective for natural gas and oil in multiple horizons. The Lowlands are situated in Quebec south of the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec City. As at December 31, 2011, the Company had an interest in 98 gross (55.2 net) producing and 40 gross (17.8 net) non-producing oil and natural gas. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James E. Brumley]

  What do Questerre Energy Corp. (TSE:QEC) and Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSE:CPG) know about oil in Saskatchewan that Centor Energy Inc. (OTCBB:CNTO) doesn't? Absolutely nothing. All three companies know there's oil in the southern part of the Canadian province, and they know exactly how to go get it. The only difference between QEC, CPG, and CNTO is, Questerre Energy and Crescent Point Energy are further along the development of their operations there than Centor Energy.

• [By John Udovich]

  While the Bakken formation is already on most investor radars,�few American investors may realize that the formation stretches North into the oil and gas rich Canadian province of Saskatchewan where�stocks like Surge Energy Inc (TSE: SGY), Questerre Energy Corp (TSE: QEC), Crescent Point Energy Corp (TSE: CPG), Keyera Corp (TSE: KEY) and Centor Energy Inc (OTCBB: CNTO) have been pumping out a good flow of newsworthy news in recent weeks. I should mention that Canada�� oil reserves are ranked #3 after to Venezuela and Saudi Arabia with over 95% of these reserves being the oil sands of Alberta while the neighboring province of Saskatchewan (which the Bakken formation stretches into from South Dakota and Montana) along with offshore areas of Newfoundland also contain substantial production and reserves (Note:�Excluding oil sands, Alberta would have 39% of Canada�� remaining conventional oil reserves,�followed by�offshore Newfoundland with�28% and Saskatchewan with 27%).

Top 5 Gas Companies To Invest In 2015: Osaka Gas Co Ltd (OSA)

OSAKA GAS CO., LTD. is primarily engaged in gas business. It operates in four business segments. The Gas segment is involved in the production, supply and sale of gas, the sale of gas equipment and housing equipment, the construction of gas piping works, the maintenance and inspection of gas equipment. The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Electric and Other Energy segment is engaged in the sale of LPG and the supply of electricity. The Oversea Energy segment is engaged in the leasing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, the oil and gas-related development and investment, the research and investment of energy supply business. The Environment and Non-energy segment is involved in the development, leasing, management and subdivision of real estates, the leasing and maintenance of automobiles, the manufacture and sale of fine materials and carbon materials, the staff dispatching business, the credit and insurance agency business and the operation of sports facilities. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Damian Illia]

  The company is also aware that its ability to sell non-invase treatment products relies largely on the willingness of third parties to pay for treatment. Therefore, it not only focuses on developing devices to treat sleep apnea and other respiratory problem. It also does on increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of the potentially serious health consequences of untreated SDB as well as educating caregivers about therapy options. It is estimated that SDB affects 20 percent of the adult population and that 90 percent who have obstructed sleep apnea (OSA) still are and most likely will remain undiagnosed and untreated. The company has therefore created a number of foundations and funds primary care physician programs to educate doctors on SDB. On the other hand, diagnosed COPD patients in America are around 12 million people, but is is estimated that another 12 milion may have the disease and hasn't been diagnosed yet. Also, ResMed looks forward to capture those patients who formerly balked at costly, uncomfortable testing in a sleep lad through at-home sleep apnea testing. What this all really means actually, is that ResMed's potential markets have not really been penetrated and that the growth prospects for the coming years is huge.

Top 5 Gas Companies To Invest In 2015: ConocoPhillips(COP)

ConocoPhillips operates as an integrated energy company worldwide. The company?s Exploration and Production (E&P) segment explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Its Midstream segment gathers, processes, and markets natural gas; and fractionates and markets natural gas liquids in the United States and Trinidad. The company?s Refining and Marketing (R&M) segment purchases, refines, markets, and transports crude oil and petroleum products, such as gasolines, distillates, and aviation fuels. Its Chemicals segment manufactures and markets petrochemicals and plastics. This segment offers olefins and polyolefins, including ethylene, propylene, and other olefin products; aromatics products, such as benzene, styrene, paraxylene, and cyclohexane, as well as polystyrene and styrene-butadiene copolymers; and various specialty chemical products comprising organosulfur chemicals, solvents, catalyst s, drilling chemicals, mining chemicals, and engineering plastics and compounds. The company?s Emerging Businesses segment develops new technologies and businesses. It focuses on power generation; and technologies related to conventional and nonconventional hydrocarbon recovery, refining, alternative energy, biofuels, and the environment. This segment also offers E-Gas, a gasification technology producing high-value synthetic gas. ConocoPhillips was founded in 1917 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tom Taulli]

  However, with RDS shares now trading around 9 times earnings — compared to 11 for Exxon Mobil (XOM) and 12 for ConocoPhillips (COP) — Royal Dutch Shell might be a value play in the making.

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  To put this growth in perspective, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP  ) , a more diversified global oil and gas producer, expects to grow its oil and gas production by just 3%-5% over this same timeframe. However, 60% of its projected production growth will come from its U.S. onshore assets. The growth is truly remarkable, as the company expects to grow its Eagle Ford production by 130,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 16% annually, while growing Bakken production by 45,000 BOE/d ,or 18% annually. And last but not least, the company sees its Permian Basin production growing by 40,000 BOE/d, or 7% annually. Clearly, the U.S. is one of the key growth drivers for ConocoPhillips over the next few years.

• [By Arjun Sreekumar]

  Similarly, ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP  ) recently said it is suspending plans to drill in Alaskan waters in 2014 because of regulatory, permitting, and other uncertainties, while Statoil (NYSE: STO  ) announced last year that it will postpone drilling in the American Arctic until 2015. To be sure, these companies have good reasons to be hesitant in their Arctic ambitions.

• [By Teresa Rivas]

  Other oil majors like Exxon (XOM) and ConocoPhillips (COP) are also up today.

  Update: Reuters is reporting that Chevron� is considering bid for stake in a Brazil offshore oil prospect (via Briefing.com).

5 Stocks Under $10 Ready to Explode

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- There isn't a day that goes by on Wall Street when certain stocks trading for $10 a share or less don't experience massive spikes higher. Traders savvy enough to follow the low-priced names and trade them with discipline and sound risk management are banking ridiculous coin on a regular basis.

>>5 Stocks Insiders Love Right Now

Just take a look at some of the hot movers in the under-$10 complex from Thursday, including BioFuel Energy (BIOF), which is ripping higher by 33%; LiveDeal (LIVE), which is soaring higher by 27%; SGOCO Group (SGOC), which is jumping to the upside by 17%; and GenVec (GNVC), which is moving higher by 7%. You don't even have to catch the entire move in lower-priced stocks such as these to make outsized returns when trading.

One low-priced stock that recently made a huge run after I featured it was technology solutions player Rambus (RMBS), which I highlighted in Feb. 20's "5 Stocks Under $10 Ready to Explode" at $1.27 per share. I mentioned in that piece that shares of Rambus of were starting to spike higher off its 50-day moving average at that time of $9.12 a share. That spike was beginning to push shares of RMBS within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade above some key overhead resistance levels at $9.73 to $9.81 a share.

Guess what happened? Shares of RMBS didn't wait long to trigger that breakout, since the stock busted out above those levels a few weeks later. This stock has gone on to make an incredible move higher even during the recent market decline, with shares of RMBS tagging an intraday high today of $12.50 a share. That represents a massive gain of well over 30% from the time I featured this stock. The best part about this move is the clean uptrend you'll see on the chart for RMBS as the stock marched higher over the last few months.

Low-priced stocks are something that I tweet about on a regular basis. I frequently flag high-probability setups, breakout candidates and low-priced stocks that are acting technically bullish. I like to hunt for low-priced stocks that are showing bullish price and volume trends, since that increases the probability of those stocks heading higher. These setups often produce monster moves higher in very short time frames.

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When I trade under-$10 names, I do it almost entirely based off of the charts and technical analysis. I also like to find under-$10 names with a catalyst, but that's secondary to the chart and volume patterns.

With that in mind, here's a look at several under-$10 stocks that look poised to potentially trade higher from current levels.

FuelCell Energy

One under-$10 alternative energy player that's starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade is FuelCell Energy (FCEL), which designs, manufactures, sells, installs, operates and services stationary fuel cell power plants for distributed baseload power generation. This stock is off to a monster start so far in 2014, with shares up a whopping 70%.

If you take a glance at the chart for FuelCell Energy, you'll notice that this stock has pulled back sharply over the last month and change, with shares falling from its high of $4.74 to its recent low of $2.25 a share. During that downtrend, shares of FCEL have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of FCEL have formed a double bottom chart pattern at $2.29 to $2.25 a share over the last few weeks right above its 50-day moving average. Shares of FCEL are now starting to uptick a bit and trend within range of triggering a big breakout trade.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in FCEL if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance at $2.50 a share and then once it takes out more key overhead resistance levels at $2.81 to $2.94 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 24.26 million shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then FCEL will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $3.25 to $3.75 a share.

Traders can look to buy FCEL off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below those double bottom support levels at $2.29 to $2.25 a share or right around $2 a share. One can also buy FCEL off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Plug Power

Another under-$10 alternative energy player that's starting to trend within range of hitting a big breakout trade is Plug Power (PLUG), which is engaged in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of fuel cell systems for the industrial off-road markets worldwide. This stock has been an absolute favorite play for the bulls in 2014, with shares up a whopping 368%.

If you take a look at the chart for Plug Power, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways and consolidating over the last month, with shares moving between $6.21 on the downside and $8.48 on the upside. That sideways trend has been occurring right above PLUG's 50-day moving average that's currently at $5.97 a share. Shares of PLUG are now starting spike higher and trend within range of triggering a big breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent sideways trading chart pattern.

Market players should now look for long-biased trades in PLUG if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $7.70 to $8.10 a share and then once it takes out more key overhead resistance at $8.48 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 43.84 million shares. If that breakout materializes soon, then PLUG will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 52-week high at $11.72 a share.

Traders can look to buy PLUG off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support at $6.53 a share or right below its 50-day moving average of $5.97 a share. One can also buy PLUG off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Capstone Turbine

One under-$10 industrial electric equipment player that's starting to move within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade is Capstone Turbine (CPST), which engages in developing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing microturbine technology solutions for use in stationary distributed power generation applications worldwide. This stock is off to a hot start in 2014, with shares up sharply by 65%.

If you consult the chart for Capstone Turbine, you'll see that this stock recently pulled back off its 52-week high at $2.60 to its recent low of $1.91 a share. That low took shares of CPST right below its 50-day moving average and the stock has subsequently started to bounce higher back above that key technical level. Shares of CPST are now starting to uptick and move within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CPST if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.22 to $2.32 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average volume of 7.72 million shares. If that breakout gets underway soon, then CPST will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance level at its 52-week high of $2.60 a share.

Traders can look to buy CPST off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below that recent low of $1.91 a share. One can also buy CPST off strength once it starts to smash above those key resistance levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Harvest Natural Resources

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Another under-$10 independent energy player that's starting to push within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Harvest Natural Resources (HNR), which engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, production and disposition of oil and natural gas properties. This stock has been hit by the sellers over the last six months, with shares off by 15.6%.

If you take a glance at the chart for Harvest Natural Resources, you'll notice this stock has just started to trend back above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish technical price action. That trend is quickly starting to push shares of HNR within range of triggering a big breakout trade above some key near-term overhead resistance levels.

Market players should now look for long-biased trades in HNR if it manages to break out above some key near-term overhead resistance levels at $4.75 to $5 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 312,623 shares. If that breakout starts soon, then HNR will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels $5.50 to its 52-week high at $6.08 a share. Any high-volume move above $6.08 will then give HNR a chance to tag $7 a share.

Traders can look to buy HNR off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its 50-day at $4.20 a share or around $45 a share. One can also buy HNR off strength once it starts to clear those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Gran Tierra Energy

One final under-$10 independent energy player that's starting to trend within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Gran Tierra Energy (GTE), which  is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and gas properties in Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Brazil. This stock is up a bit so far in 2014, with shares higher by 4.9%.

If you take a look at the chart for Gran Tierra Energy, you'll notice that this stock have been uptrending over the last month and change, with shares moving higher from its low of $6.73 to its intraday high of $7.68 a share. During that move, shares of GTE have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. Shares of GTE are starting to break out today above some near-term overhead resistance at $7.64 a share. That move is quickly pushing shares of GTE within range of triggering a much bigger breakout trade.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in GTE if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $7.73 to $7.88 a share and then once it clears its 52-week high at $8 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 981,956 shares. If that breakout kicks off soon, then GTE will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $10 to $11 a share.

Traders can look to buy GTE off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits just below its 50-day at $7.33 or its 200-day at $7.08 a share. One can also buy GTE off strength once it starts to take out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

To see more hot under-$10 equities, check out the Stocks Under $10 Setting Up to Explode portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

RELATED LINKS:

>>Side-Step the Selling With These 5 Big Trades

>>3 Stocks Spiking on Unusual Volume

>>Want to Buy Apple? Think Again

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Roberto Pedone, based out of Delafield, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on technical analysis for small- and large-cap stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. Roberto studied international business at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany. His work has appeared on financial outlets including

CNBC.com and Forbes.com. You can follow Pedone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zerosum24 or @zerosum24.

Coinstar Is Dead: Long Live Outerwall

Wall Street won't have Coinstar to kick around anymore.

The kiosk operator began trading as Outerwall (NASDAQ: OUTR  ) today, ringing the exchange's opening bell and announcing a significant acquisition.

Shareholders approved the new moniker last week.

It wasn't a surprise to see Coinstar go for a name change. Its namesake machines that exchange loose change for gift cards was accounting for just 11% of the company's revenue. The real surprise is that it didn't go with Redbox.

The company's fleet of machines that crank out DVD, Blu-ray, and video game rentals accounts for the lion's share of its business. At a time when Blockbuster has been closing down stores and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX  ) has been emphasizing its streaming services as its disc-based platform shrinks, Redbox has been holding its own. Redbox revenue rose 1% in its latest quarter. That may not seem all that impressive, but consider that Netflix's DVD revenue declined by 24% during the same period.

However, as optical discs continue to give way to digital delivery, it's quite possible that Redbox as a corporate name in a few years would seem as silly and outdated as Coinstar does today.

Outerwall is a commitment to the company's growing portfolio of kiosks that operate on the outer wall of storefronts. The new strategy is also emphasizing kiosks that won't give way to the digital media migration. One of its smaller businesses is Rubi coffee dispensers. You can't download a shot of java.

Outerwall is also making an aggressive play in the used gear resale market with this morning's $350 million acquisition of ecoATM.

Despite the name, this isn't some solar-powered bank machine. It's more along the lines of an unmanned pawnshop for electronics. Folks can sell their phones or MP3 players -- in any condition -- through the automated stations that inspect the state of the device before firing back a price.

Instead of having its Redbox business disrupted by Netflix, it may find itself butting heads against Gazelle and consumer electronics stores that buy back used hardware, but it should be able to use its many Redbox merchant connections to quickly expand the reach of ecoATM.

It's hard to get excited about Coinstar and even Redbox these days, but if Outerwall can make itself digital-proof by turning to coffee and electronics as growth outlets, it may be a bright road for Outerwall after all.

Outerwall knows that retail is changing
To learn about two retailers with especially good prospects, take a look at The Motley Fool's special free report: "The Death of Wal-Mart: The Real Cash Kings Changing the Face of Retail." In it, you'll see how these two cash kings are able to consistently outperform and how they're planning to ride the waves of retail's changing tide. You can access it by clicking here.

Has Walgreen Bounced Back for Good?

Next Tuesday, Walgreen (NYSE: WAG  ) will release its latest quarterly results. Amid plenty of news pointing to the company's growth prospects, the stock recently hit all-time highs, but its gains appear to have plateaued over the past several months as investors seek further catalysts for gains.

Walgreen already has an enviably strong position within the drugstore business, and its recent strategic moves aim to broaden its appeal on a global scope. Yet, investors are still concerned about damage that a major dispute might have done to its long-term business prospects. Let's take an early look at what's been happening with Walgreen over the past quarter, and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

Stats on Walgreen

Analyst EPS Estimate	$0.91
Change From Year-Ago EPS	26%
Revenue Estimate	$18.44 billion
Change From Year-Ago Revenue	3.9%
Earnings Beats in Past 4 Quarters	3

Source: Yahoo! Finance.

Has Walgreen resolved all its problems?
In recent months, analysts have had narrowly mixed views about Walgreen's earnings prospects. They've cut their May-quarter estimates by $0.01 per share, but they've boosted their fiscal 2014 consensus by the same penny. The stock has made additional gains, rising about 9% since mid-March.

The ongoing long-term concern that many investors have had about Walgreen stems from its dispute last year with pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts (NASDAQ: ESRX  ) . Following its merger with Medco Health Solutions, Express Scripts became an increasingly important source of business in the industry, and an exodus of customers from Walgreen boosted the prospects for its competitors. Indeed, long-struggling Rite Aid was able to take advantage of the situation to engineer a sharp turnaround, posting an annual profit last year for the first time in six years, and demonstrating just how extensive the damage was to Walgreen's business.

Since resolving that dispute, Walgreen has made a number of smart strategic moves to bolster growth. In March, the company entered into a 10-year agreement with drug distributor AmerisourceBergen that will fit well with its global expansion plans. Walgreen's purchase of a substantial stake in European drugstore chain Alliance Boots created the need for a more extensive distribution network, and by creating what amounts to a vertically integrated supply chain, Walgreen is setting up the infrastructure for further growth overseas.

Preliminary results show decent success with Walgreen's strategy. During April, same-store sales rose 1.2%, with larger gains of 4.7% in pharmacy sales pointing to customers returning to Walgreen's fold. May's increase in comps of 2.8% showed the same tilt toward the pharmacy side of the business. Yet, rival CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS  ) has also given investors some positive news, guiding earnings and revenue last month to the upper end of previously provided ranges amid favorable impacts of greater generic-drug availability. Despite Walgreen's success, CVS remains a strong competitive threat, especially with its combination of pharmacy benefits management and retail drug stores.

In Walgreen's report, watch for further guidance about the path the company intends to take strategically. By identifying the role its international expansion will play, Walgreen should be able to show shareholders what will further drive share-price gains in the future.

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In 2011, a massive shift began. With the first of the baby-boomer generation reaching Medicare age, America's health-care landscape was forever changed. Combine the aging population with the impact of Obamacare, and the need for innovative solutions for skyrocketing health care costs is as clear as ever. Express Scripts is part of that solution, and in this brand new premium report on the company, we clearly lay out the opportunity in front of this misunderstood stock. Claim your copy by clicking here now.

Click here to add Walgreen to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

Sony Prices PlayStation 4 Game Console at $399

Electronics maker Sony (NYSE: SNE  ) revealed more details about its next-generation PlayStation 4 entertainment and gaming console Monday.

At its press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, Sony announced it will price its console at $399 for its release this holiday season in North America. The company also announced [link opens in PDF] a 399-euro price for a holiday release in Europe.

The price comes in at $100 less than the announced $499 U.S. price of Microsoft's competing Xbox One. Microsoft also plans to launch its rival console during the holiday season, as it announced today during its own E3 conference.

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Sony also revealed the hardware design of the console at E3 on Monday, as well as noting that SCE Worldwide Studios is planning on releasing 20 new PlayStation 4-exclusive game titles to the console within a year of its launch. The company added in details regarding its PS Plus community, saying that the service will continue offering game discounts, cloud saves, patch downloads, and other perks for customers.

Jack Tretton, Sony Computer Entertainment America president and CEO, talking about the appeal of the PlayStation 4 in the next-generation console, was quoted by the company as saying, "What's ... exciting for us ... is transforming the PlayStation ecosystem into a stronger, more vibrant destination that enables gamers to engage, share, play, and connect on their terms."

link

UBS Names U.S. Head for Complex Equities Group

UBS AG(UBSN.VX) has named a new head of its U.S. group that works on complex stock financings and investments for companies and wealthy individuals.

Alan Rifkin, who joins from Citigroup(C), will run the Americas unit of its Strategic Equity Solutions Group from New York starting in May, according to an internal memo.

The Swiss bank has been shrinking investment-banking footprint, while bulking up parts of its equity underwriting business, especially in the U.S.

The so-called “strategic equity solutions” business focuses on stock underwriting transactions for companies or wealthy individuals, such as family business owners, that are trickier than a typical IPO or public stock sale.

That includes pre-IPO stock placements, a market that has grown sharply over the last few years as companies stay private longer and reach multi-billion-dollar valuations before going public.

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It also works with investors and companies that want to lock-in gains for a volatile private or public stock investment without selling the shares, through the use of derivatives.

Mr. Rifkin spent 15 years in Citi’s equity capital markets group. Before that, he was a lawyer at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton. He will report to global head of equity solutions Chicco di Stasi, who started the group in 2010, and to the U.S.-based head of Americas equity capital markets, James Palmer.