The 3 Most Successful IPOs of 2014 (So Far)

www.gopro.com Now that it's nearly over, we can definitively say that 2014 has been one of the best years for initial public stock offerings in history. In terms of proceeds raised from IPOs, 2014 will challenge or even exceed the year 2000. Which is saying something: That was the height of the dot.com frenzy, when seemingly every new company with a website felt compelled to list on the stock exchange. As can be expected of a busy IPO year, some of 2014's new stock market titles have been runaway hits soaring above their issue price, while others have belly-flopped. Since we're heading into the most optimistic time of the year, we'll shine a light on the three best performers. In order of stock price appreciation, they are: GoPro (GPRO) 2014's current IPO front-runner is this company, maker of the popular action photography camera -- the one that's usually responsible for those hairy point-of-view videos posted on Facebook (FB) and other online sharing sites. GoPro's stock hit the market at the end of June priced at $24, and as if this writing it now stands at $70.72 for a muscular 195 percent total return. Although that's impressive, it should be noted that the current price is quite a bit lower than the stock's high of nearly $94, which it touched in early October. But then the camera was effectively blamed for the horrific accident that befell Formula One racing star Michael Schumacher -- although the journalist making the allegation later recanted -- and the shares cratered. The stock recovered after the company reported strong third-quarter earnings, and all seemed well again... until GoPro decided to float a secondary issue of stock. It'll sell 10.3 million fresh shares on the market, adding to the nearly 126 million currently outstanding. When secondary share issues are announced, a company's stock often takes a hit, since investors aren't too crazy about their existing stakes being diluted. Regardless, on a fundamental basis GoPro is a popular, if niche, product, while the company's revenues are growing and its bottom line is well in the black. Immune Design (IMDZ) Who isn't eager to find a cure for cancer? That's the thrilling potential of this newly public biotech firm, which develops technologies that help the body's immune system produce cells that battle forms of the illness, in addition to other ailments. The upside of success in the cancer fight, it goes without saying, is enormous. This is likely one major reason that Immune Design's shares have zoomed up 184 percent less than four months after the company's late July IPO. From an issue price of $12 per share, the company's stock now trades at over $34. Since it went public, the few news items coming from the company have been rather positive. Mere days after the IPO, it announced that it was licensing its GLAAS discovery platform, which aims to develop treatments for food allergies, to global pharmaceutical giant Sanofi (SNY). Shortly thereafter, the latter's vaccines unit Sanofi Pasteur entered into a collaboration with Immune Design to develop therapies for the herpes simplex virus. Immune Design's recently released third-quarter results are also helping to support its rising stock price. Thanks to Sanofi, it was able to book its first significant revenue ($3.5 million, to be exact), boding well for its future. Radius Health (RDUS) Close on the heels of Immune Design is this biotech company, a developer of women's health products. In particular, Radius Health has its hopes pinned on abaloparatide, a treatment for the bone disease osteoporosis. This ailment is more likely to afflict women. The company describes the market for osteoporosis as "large and underserved," and it seems the investing public agrees. The stock floated at $8 per share in late July and recently closed at $22.22, for a total return of 178 percent. That IPO, which saw the company raise $52 million, was actually its second attempt at going public. It originally filed to do so in early 2012 but withdrew the application later in the year, ascribing its decision to "market conditions and volatility." Considering how well the shares have done in the early part of their lives this year, that was a wise move. As with many newly public biotechs, Radius Health is still deeply in the red, with no revenue to speak of and research and development expenses well in the millions of dollars (almost $14 million for the third quarter, in this case). But the company's optimism has clearly struck a chord with investors: It hopes to submit abaloparatide for approval to the Food and Drug Administration and European regulators next year; a product launch should follow soon thereafter. More from Eric Volkman
•The Trickle of TV Streaming Services Will Soon Be a Deluge •Why the Battery Business Is Losing Its Power •Bye-Bye, Stock Market: Companies Going Private in 2014

lululemon Stumbles Again, and Twitter Gains on Management Change

Stocks fell again today as concerns about violence in Iraq spread throughout the market. Kurdish rebels gained control of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, and Sunni militants threatened to push into Southern Iraq. In a press conference, President Obama said the use of force remained an option to prevent a potential breakup of the country that U.S. troops exited in 2011, causing jitters among investors. Stocks slid during the course of the session with the Dow Jones Industrial Average  (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) finishing down 110 points, or 0.7%, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.7%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.8%. Crude oil prices also jumped 2.4% on the events in Iraq, to nearly $107/barrel.

The day's economic reports were also mostly disappointing as retail sales improved just 0.3% in May, below expectations of 0.7%, and down from April's figure at 0.5%, which was revised up from 0.1%, making May's miss less meaningful. Retail sales are a closely watched economic indicator as consumer spending drives 70% of the country's GDP. Initial unemployment claims also increased slightly, from 313,000 to 317,000, essentially in line with expectations at 315,000. The figure remains low enough to indicate that the labor market is improving, but continuing unemployment claims also rose for the first time in several weeks, though just by 11,000, to 2.614 million. 

lululemon atheltica  (NASDAQ: LULU  ) shares tumbled again today, finishing down 16% after the yoga retailer cut its forecast in its quarterly report this morning. The weak guidance was just the latest bit of bad news for the once high-flying Canadian company, which has seen shares fall by more than 50% since last summer, and hit a three-year low on today's news. After a 2013 that featured a massive product recall, the surprise resignation of its CEO, and embarrassing remarks by its founder, the company said today that same-store sales fell for the second quarter in a row. They also forecast a decline in full-year adjusted EPS at $1.71-$1.76 against the analyst consensus at $1.89. The earnings report comes amid more management concerns as founder Chip Wilson said yesterday that he voted against the company's Chairman and one of its directors in board elections, and CFO John Currie said today that he would retire at the end of the year. Wilson's announcement, in particular, seems to indicate that lululemon is still well off track, following last year's problems. 

Meanwhile, Twitter  (NYSE: TWTR  ) shares were moving higher on a management change of its own. The social network finished up 3.5% as COO Ali Rowghani resigned. Rowghani will not be replaced because CEO Dick Costolo would like more direct contact with the company's engineering and product teams, as Rowghani's departure seems to have resulted from a dispute between the two executives. The announcement comes as Twitter shares have fallen due to concerns about sluggish user growth, which was one of Rowghani's principal responsibilities. With the departure of Rowghani, investors seem to believe the company will be implementing a new strategy to lure additional users. Even if, after its recent slide, Twitter still carries a sky-high valuation, Wall Street has made it clear that the company needs to grow its user base rapidly in order to justify its current stock price. 

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Why Retirees Now Have to Question the 4% Withdrawal Rule

Kzenon/Shutterstock Retiring? Go ahead, live it up! Travel, eat out, lavish your grandkids with gifts -- but not until you've embraced the latest thinking on the famous 4 Percent Rule. The 20-year-old rule of thumb tries to make sure your money lasts as long as you do. Devised by financial adviser William Bengen, the rule says new retirees can withdraw up to 4 percent of their retirement portfolio in year one, then increase the dollar amount each year by the past year's inflation rate. That way, the withdrawals grow year by year to offset inflation so buying power stays steady. The rule assumes a mix of stocks and bonds providing typical returns, allowing the nest egg to last 30 years. But in recent years many experts have had doubts. For one thing, yields on fixed-income investments have been well below the long-term averages incorporated into the rule. For another, stocks fell off a cliff during the great recession, losing more than 50 percent of their value. Consider This Scenario Imagine the effect on someone who retired just before a similar collapse with $1 million in retirement savings. Using the rule, this person could withdraw $40,000 in year one. If inflation ran at a meager 1 percent, the retiree would withdraw just under $41,000 two years later. But if the portfolio's value had fallen to, say, $700,000, this withdrawal would equal nearly 6 percent of assets -- dramatically increasing the risk of running out of money before the 30 years ended. Granted, the markets could recover. But the money that had been withdrawn and spent would obviously not share in any rebound. The portfolio would have been damaged permanently, making it very hard for the long-term plan to succeed. If the market took several years to recover, the ever-larger withdrawals would do even more long-term damage. Recognizing this, many advisers have suggested a stingier withdrawal pace -- 3 percent a year, perhaps only 2 percent. The problem is that means one would need a much larger nest egg to produce the same annual income -- so large many people would throw up their hands in despair. You'd spend a lifetime accumulating $1 million and get only $20,000 a year in retirement -- before taxes? Ridiculous. So What Should You Do? So how do you get from here to the living-large lifestyle described above? With flexibility. You don't need to skimp every year to prepare for a disaster that might never happen so long as you can cut spending if it does. That way, if the $1 million portfolio were to fall to $700,000, you could hit reset and withdraw only 4 percent of the new amount -- $28,000 instead of $40,000 plus inflation. If the fund were to recover, you could hit reset again and take 4 percent of the new amount, then go back to annual increases to offset inflation. Obviously, you'd have to plan to be able to reduce withdrawals from $40,000 to $28,000. The key: Minimize the fixed expenses you can't easily wriggle out of. Don't retire, in other words, with a big mortgage, or a home with a huge property tax and heating bills. Avoid sinking money into a lot of toys or a second home, things that could be hard to unload without loss in an economic downturn. But what you sacrifice in quality of life from fixed expenses such as a big home can be offset by spending on things that are easy to cut back, such as travel, entertainment and dining out. If you need to tighten your belt, you'll be able to -= hopefully needing to only for a little while. By avoiding big withdrawals from a shrunken portfolio you'll have a better chance of making a full recovery, assuring that you don't outlive your money, and eventually resuming that discretionary spending that was so much fun.

Hot Income Stocks To Invest In 2015

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now

This morning we are going to take a look at stocks that are widely held by the gurus and trading near their historic low price-to-sales (P/S) ratios:

Owens & Minor Inc. (OMI) is trading at a low P/S ratio of 0.20, near its 10-year low of 0.18. The company offers supply chain assistance to the providers of healthcare services and the manufacturers of healthcare products, supplies, and devices. It is held by 14 gurus we follow.

Market Cap: 2.06 billion, P/E: 18.70

Business Predictability: 3/5, Financial Strength: 6/10, Profitability & Growth: 6/10

American Moil SAB de CV (AMX) is trading at a low P/S ratio of 1.20, near its 10-year low of 1.15. The company provides telecommunications services in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is held by 12 gurus we follow.

Top 5 Tech Companies For 2015: CNA Financial Corp (CNA)

CNA Financial Corporation (CNAF), incorporated in 1967, is an insurance holding company. The Company�� core business commercial property and casualty insurance operations operate in two segments: CNA Specialty and CNA Commercial. Its non-core businesses are managed in two business segments: Life & Group Non-Core and Corporate & Other Non-Core. The Company�� insurance products primarily include commercial property and casualty coverages, including surety. Its services include risk management, information services, and warranty and claims administration. Its products and services are marketed through independent agents, brokers and managing general underwriters to a wide variety of customers, including small, medium and large businesses, associations, professionals and other groups. CNA's property and casualty and remaining life and group insurance operations are primarily conducted by Continental Casualty Company (CCC), The Continental Insurance Company, Western Surety Company and Continental Assurance Company (CAC). On June 10, 2011, CNA completed the acquisition of CNA Surety Corporation. In July 2012, the Company acquired Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Ltd. On December 14, 2012, the Company sold SUR Insurance Agency, Inc. and The Bond Exchange to California Contractors Insurance Services.

CNA Specialty

CNA Specialty provides professional and management liability and other coverages through property and casualty products and services, both domestically and abroad, through a network of brokers, independent agencies and managing general underwriters. CNA Specialty provides solutions for managing the risks of its clients, including architects, lawyers, accountants, health care professionals, financial intermediaries and public and private companies. Product offerings also include surety and fidelity bonds and warranty services.

CNA Specialty includes four business groups: Professional & Management Liability, International, Surety, and Warranty and Alternative Risks! . Professional & Management Liability provides management and professional liability insurance and risk management services and other specialized property and casualty coverages in the United States. This group provides professional liability coverages to various professional firms, including architects, real estate agents, small and mid-sized accounting firms, law firms and technology firms. Professional & Management Liability also provides D&O, employment practices, fiduciary and fidelity coverages. Products within Professional & Management Liability are distributed through brokers, agents and managing general underwriters. Professional & Management Liability, through CNA HealthPro, also offers insurance products to serve the healthcare delivery system. Products include professional liability and associated standard property and casualty coverages, and are distributed on a national basis through brokers, agents and managing general underwriters. Customer segments include long term care facilities, allied health care providers, life sciences, dental professionals and mid-size and large health care facilities.

International provides similar management and professional liability insurance and other specialized property and casualty coverages in Canada and Europe. Surety consists primarily of CNA Surety Corporation (CNA Surety) and its insurance subsidiaries and offers small, medium and large contract and commercial surety bonds. CNA Surety provides surety and fidelity bonds in all 50 states through a combined network of independent agencies.

Warranty and Alternative Risks provides extended service contracts and related products that provide protection from the financial burden associated with mechanical breakdown and other related losses, primarily for vehicles and portable electronic communication devices. These products are distributed through and administered by a wholly owned subsidiary, CNA National Warranty Corporation, or through third party administrators.

! CNA Comme! rcial

CNA Commercial works with an independent agency distribution system and a network of brokers to market a range of property and casualty insurance products and services to small, middle-market and large businesses and organizations domestically and abroad. Products include standard and excess property coverages, as well as marine coverage, and boiler and machinery. Casualty products include standard casualty insurance products such as workers��compensation, general and product liability, commercial auto and umbrella coverages. It also offers pecialized loss-sensitive insurance programs to those customers viewed as higher risk and less predictable in exposure.

The Business insurance group serves smaller commercial accounts and the Commercial insurance group serves middle markets and larger risks. In addition, CNA Commercial provides total risk management services relating to claim and information services to the insurance marketplace, through a wholly owned subsidiary, CNA ClaimPlus, Inc., a third party administrator. The International insurance group primarily consists of the commercial product lines of its operations in Europe, Canada, as well as Hawaii.

CNA Select Risk (Select Risk) includes excess and surplus lines coverages. Risk provides specialized insurance for selected commercial risks on both an individual customer and program basis. Select Risk�� products are distributed throughout the United States through specialist producers, program agents and brokers.

Life & Group Non-Core

The Life & Group Non-Core segment includes the results of the life and group lines of business that are in run-off. It retains block of group reinsurance and life settlement contracts.

Corporate & Other Non-Core

Corporate & Other Non-Core primarily includes certain corporate expenses. This also includes interest on corporate debt, and the results of certain property and casualty business in run-off, including CNA Re and ! A&EP.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Amanda Alix]

  Take Berkshire's purchase of CNA Financial's (NYSE: CNA  ) and AIG's asbestos liability in 2010 and 2011, respectively. For a total of $3.65 billion, Buffett took on $3.5 billion of liability in AIG's case, and $1.6 billion from CNA. This gave Berkshire a nice big bag of cash to invest, while asbestos cases continued to wend their way through the courts for years. Meanwhile, two troubled insurers received the Berkshire Hathaway brand of security regarding their own future liability in that arena.

• [By Amanda Alix]

  This is the beauty of the insurance model, and its charm has attracted investing greats like Warren Buffett, who may have pioneered this latest trend through his own company, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-A  ) � (NYSE: BRK-B  ) . In 2010, Berkshire took on AIG's asbestos liability for a hefty fee, and did the same for CNA Financial (NYSE: CNA  ) the following year. There's little doubt that Buffett added to his wealth by wisely investing the $3.65 billion he received in those two deals.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now: WPX Energy Inc (WPX)

WPX Energy, Inc. (WPX Energy), incorporated on April 19, 2011, is an independent natural gas and oil exploration and production company engaged in the exploitation and development of long-life unconventional properties. The Company focuses on exploiting its natural gas reserve base and related NGLs in the Piceance Basin of the Rocky Mountain region, and on developing its positions in the Bakken Shale oil play in North Dakota and the Marcellus Shale natural gas play in Pennsylvania. Its other areas of domestic operations include the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and the San Juan Basin in the southwestern United States. In addition, it owns a 69% controlling ownership interest in Apco Oil and Gas International, Inc. (Apco), which holds oil and gas concessions in Argentina and Colombia. As of December 31, 2010, it had proved reserves of 4,473 Bcfe, 59% of which were proved developed reserves. Average daily production as of March 31, 2011 was 1,251 MMcfe/d.

Bakken Shale

The Company acquired 89,420 net acres in the Williston Basin in North Dakota that is prospective for oil in the Bakken Shale. It acquired all of this acreage in December 2010 through the acquisition of Dakota-3 E&P Company LLC. As of December 31, 2010, it had three rigs operating on the Bakken Shale acreage. Since acquiring this acreage, the Company has drilled 10 operated wells on the Bakken Shale properties; nine Middle Bakken formation wells and one Three Forks formation well. Six of these wells have been completed and connected to sales with initial 30 day production rates ranging from 750 Boe/d to 1,100 Boe/d.

Marcellus Shale

The Company�� 99,301 net acres in the Marcellus Shale were acquired through two key transactions and additional leasing activities. In July 2010, the Company acquired 42,000 net acres in Susquehanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had five rigs operating in the Marcellus Shale.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Claudia Assis]

  Among advancers, WPX Energy Inc. (WPX) rose 3.2%.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  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 WPX Energy (NYSE: WPX  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  The S&P 500 dropped 1.3% to 1,747.15–its largest fall since August 27–while the Dow Jones Industrials fell 1% to 15,593.89–its biggest drop in almost a month. Among the stocks dragging the market down: Goldman Sachs (GS), which fell 2.4% to $159.64 after it said an investigation into its mortgage-bond business could boost its legal costs, AT&T (T), which dropped 2% to $35.11 after it acknowledged charging the US government for access to customer phone records, and WPX Energy (WPX), which fell 13% to $18.65 after releasing disappointing results. Just two Dow components–International Business Machines (IBM) and EI Du Pont De Nemours (DD)–finished the day in the black.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now: Mexico Fund Inc (MXF)

The Mexico Fund, Inc. (the Fund), incorporated on January 13, 1981, is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities, primarily equity, listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in issuers that are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange, but which are organized outside of Mexico, provided each such issuer has a subsidiary organized in Mexico. The Fund's investment advisor is Impulsora del Fondo Mexico, S.C. BBVA Bancomer, S.A. is the Fund�� custodian.

The Fund invests in various sectors, such as beverages, telecommunications, retail, chemical products, housing companies, financial groups, media, mining and building materials. The The Fund's investment advisor is Impulsora del Fondo Mexico, S.C. BBVA Bancomer, S.A. is the Fund�� custodian.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Cross]

  A broad-based investment into the Mexican economy either through the iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index (NYSE: EWW) or the Mexico Fund (NYSE: MXF) -- a favorite of StreetAuthority analyst Amy Calistri -- are good ways to establish a position. These funds not only have exposure to the manufacturing sector, but also to energy, health care and media -- sectors that are benefiting from political reforms and a growing Mexican middle class. The Mexico Fund has a powerful incentive for investors as well in the form of a hefty 10% dividend.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now: Abraxas Petroleum Corp (AXAS)

Abraxas Petroleum Corporation is an independent energy company primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploitation, development and production of oil and gas in the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2011, the Company�� estimated net proved reserves were 29.0 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBoe), (including reserves attributable to its 34.7% equity interest in the proved reserves of Blue Eagle), of which 53% were classified as proved developed, 54% were oil and natural gas liquids (NGL��) and 94% by PV-10 were operated. Its daily net production during the year ended December 31, 2011, was 3,484 barrels of oil equivalent per day, of which 45% was oil or liquids. Its oil and gas assets are located in four operating regions in the United States, the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent, Permian Basin and onshore Gulf Coast, and in the province of Alberta, Canada.

The Company�� properties in the Rocky Mountain region are located in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and Montana and in the Green River, Powder River and Unita Basins of Wyoming and Utah. In this region, its wells produce oil and gas from various reservoirs, including the Niobrara, Turner, Bakken and Three Forks formations. Well depths range from 7,000 feet down to 14,000 feet. The Company�� properties in the Mid-Continent region are primarily located in the Arkoma Basin and principally produce gas from the Hartshorne coals at 3,000 feet. Its properties in the Permian Basin region are primarily located in two sub-basins, the Delaware Basin and the Eastern Shelf. In the Delaware Basin, its wells are located in Pecos, Reeves, and Ward Counties, Texas and produce oil and gas from multiple stacked formations from the Bell Canyon at 5,000 feet down to the Ellenburger at 16,000 feet.

In the Eastern Shelf, its wells are principally located in Coke, Scurry, Midland, Mitchell and Nolan Counties, Texas and produce oil and gas from the Strawn Reef formation at 5,000 to 7,500 feet and oil from the shallower Clea! rfork formation at depths ranging from 2,300 to 3,300 feet. The Company�� properties in the onshore Gulf Coast region are located along the Edwards trend in DeWitt and Lavaca Counties, Texas and in the Portilla field in San Patricio County, Texas. In the Edwards trend, its wells produce gas from the Edwards formation at a depth of 14,000 feet and in the Portilla field, its wells produce oil and gas from the Frio sands and the deeper Vicksburg from depths of approximately 7,000 to 9,000 feet. In addition, the Company also owns a 34.7% equity interest in a joint venture targeting the Eagle Ford in South Texas. Its properties in the province of Alberta, Canada are located in the Pekisko fairway and the Nordegg/Tomahawk area of Central Alberta.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company leased approximately 20,835 net acres, primarily in counties located on the Nesson Anticline and in areas west, including Rough Rider and Lewis & Clark in North Dakota and in Sheridan County, Montana, which are prospective for the Bakken and Three Forks formations. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company drilled two operated wells and participated in an additional 19 gross (1.0 net) non-operated wells. In July 2011, Abraxas purchased a used Oilwell 2000 horsepower diesel electric drilling rig. In August 2010, the Company formed a joint venture, Blue Eagle, with Rock Oil to develop its acreage in the Eagle Ford Shale play. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned a 34.7% interest in Blue Eagle. During 2011, Blue Eagle drilled, completed or participated in three gross (2.4 net) wells and added approximately 3,800 net acres to its holdings, principally in McMullen County, Texas.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company leased a total of approximately 20,720 gross (17,800 net) acres in the southern Powder River Basin, of which 17,800 gross (15,700 net) acres were located in the Brooks Draw field of Converse and Niobrara Counties, Wyoming. In addition, it owns approximately 2,100 net acres in sout! hern Camp! bell County, Wyoming which are held by production and are near the Crossbow field operated by EOG Resources, Inc. and other recent horizontal activity. As of December 31, 2011, the Company leased 6,880 net acres in western Alberta. In 2011, it drilled or completed six gross (6 net) wells in the Twining area. In the emerging southern Alberta Basin Bakken play of Toole and Glacier Counties, Montana, the Company leased approximately 10,000 gross/net acres under long-term leases or direct mineral ownership. As of December 31, 2011, it leased approximately 5,600 gross/net acres in Nolan County, Texas. In 2011, the Company drilled three wells in the Spires Ranch offsetting the prolific Nena Lucia field.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Value Investor]

  Abraxas Petroleum Corporation (AXAS) is a small cap exploration and production company based in San Antonio, Texas. The company has a market cap of $472 million and has been trending higher since last year in terms of stock price. The company is currently trading at a price of $5 and this article discusses why the upside will continue.

• [By Lisa Levin] Related IIN Morning Market Movers Morning Market Losers Related AXAS Abraxas Petroleum Corp. (AXAS) in Focus: Stock Moves 6.4% Higher - Tale of the Tape Will Noble Energy Disappoint This Quarter? - Analyst Blog

  Intricon (NASDAQ: IIN) shares gained 33.98% to touch a new 52-week high of $6.23 after the company reported Q1 results.

• [By Monica Gerson] Related AMKR Stocks to Watch for September 12, 2013 Seven Dividend-Paying Tech Stocks Analysts Are Bullish On Related AXAS EXCO Resources to Offer Senior Notes - Analyst Blog Abraxas (AXAS) Shares March Higher, Can It Continue? - Tale of the Tape

  Amkor Technology (NASDAQ: AMKR) shares gained 1.63% to touch a new 52-week high of $7.46. Amkor Technology's PEG ratio is 0.94.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now: Open Joint Stock Company "Vimpel-Communications"(VIP)

VimpelCom Ltd. operates as an integrated telecommunications services provider, offering voice and data services through a range of wireless, fixed, and broadband technologies. It provides its services under the Beeline, Kyivstar, djuice, Wind, Infostrada Mobilink, Leo, Banglalink, Telecel, Mobinil, koryolink, Allo, and Djezzy brands. The company also offers roaming services that allows its subscribers and the customers of other mobile operators to receive and make international, local, and long distance calls while outside of their home network. In addition, it provides mobile telecommunications, as well as fixed-line, data, and long distance licenses. As of December 31, 2010, the company had 92.7 million mobile subscribers. It offers its services in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Algeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Central African Republic, Italy, and Canada. VimpelCom Ltd. is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lisa Levin]

  VimpelCom (NASDAQ: VIP) shares reached a new 52-week low of $9.05. VimpelCom is expected to release its Q4 results on March 6, 2014.

  Westport Innovations (NASDAQ: WPRT) shares touched a new 52-week low of $15.22 after the company and Delphi Automotive (NYSE: DLPH) signed a joint development agreement to commercialize natural gas injector technology.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now: Retail Properties of America Inc (RPAI)

Retail Properties of America, Inc., formerly Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc., incorporated on March 5, 2003, is a fully integrated, self administered and self-managed real estate company that owns and operates shopping centers. The Company is an owner and operator of shopping centers in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, its retail operating portfolio consisted of 259 properties with approximately 3.6 million square feet of gross leasable area (GLA), was diversified across 35 states and includes power centers, community centers, neighborhood centers and lifestyle centers, as well as single-user retail properties. The Company�� retail properties are located in retail districts. In August 2012, the Company sold a 1.04-million-square-foot Cost Plus Distribution Center in Stockton. In September 2012, it disposed 13 former Mervyns locations. In October 2012, it sold 18 non-core and non-strategic assets.

The Company�� shopping centers are anchored or shadow anchored by a grocer, discount department store, wholesale club or retailer that sells basic household goods or clothing. national and regional grocers, discount retailers and other retailers that provide household goods or clothing, including Target, TJX Companies, PetSmart, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Kohl��, Wal-Mart, Publix and Lowe��. As of December 31, 2011, over 90% of its shopping centers, based on GLA, were anchored or shadow anchored by a grocer, discount department store, wholesale club or retailers that sell basic household goods or clothing. As of December 31, 2011, it had a retail tenant base that includes approximately 1,500.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ant贸nio Costa]

  Retail Properties of America Inc (NYSE: RPAI) has been in an impressive rebound since the lows of August and the stock price action continues to become Bullish. However, RPAI has run into the downtrend line resistance again and this could lead to a brief period of sideways consolidation or price correction from current levels. On watch.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Retail Properties of America (NYSE: RPAI  ) isn't keeping all of its rent money for itself. The company has declared a new set of quarterly dividend payments for its shareholders. Holders of all classes of the REIT's common stock will receive $0.165625 per share on July 10 if they're in possession of those shares as of June 28. The firm will also dispense $0.4375 per share of its 7.00% series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock on July 1 to shareholders of record as of June 20.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Invest In Right Now: Radware Ltd.(RDWR)

Radware Ltd. provides application delivery solutions and network security solutions to banks, insurance companies, manufacturing and retail, government agencies, media companies, and service providers worldwide. The company offers AppDirector Intelligent Application Delivery Controller for data center optimization and to eliminate traffic surges, server bottlenecks, connectivity disconnects, and downtime for business continuity; and Alteon Application Switch application delivery controller that supports local, global, and transparent load-balance, multi-homing network load-balance, and bandwidth management capabilities. It also provides AppXML, which offers XML and Web services communications for mission-critical applications; AppWall, a Web application firewall (WAF) appliance that secures Web applications; LinkProof that manages wide area networks and Internet traffic for networks; Content Inspection Director, a smart redirection and dynamic policy enforcement device to meet contemporary carrier needs; and Session Initiation Protocol Director, an application delivery controller for application vendors, telecom equipment manufacturers, and system integrators. In addition, the company offers DefensePro Intrusion Prevention and Denial of Service products that protect against worms, bots, viruses, malicious intrusions, and DOS attacks; Inflight, a hardware device that provides online and network-based monitoring solutions; and APSolute Vision, an appliance-based management and monitoring system for information technology staff to centrally manage distributed devices and check the performance and security of enterprise wide application delivery infrastructures. It markets and sells its products primarily through distributors and resellers in North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as directly to select customers in the United States. Radware Ltd. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Evan Niu, CFA]

  What: Shares of Radware (NASDAQ: RDWR  ) have fallen by as much as 24% after the company announced disappointing preliminary earnings for the first quarter.

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now

On Jul 6, Zacks Investment Research upgraded Capital One Financial Corp. (COF) to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Why the Upgrade?

Capital One has been witnessing rising earnings estimates following the announcement of a new share repurchase program, hike in dividend and better-than-expected first-quarter results. Moreover, this regional bank has a long-term earnings growth forecast of 8.0%.

On Jul 2, Capital One announced a share repurchase authorization of up to $1.0 billion, subsequent to the Federal Reserve�� approval of its capital plan in Mar 2013. However, the company will be allowed to undertake the repurchase program after it successfully completes the sale of Best Buy Co.�� credit-card business to Citigroup Inc. (C). The company expects this deal to close in the third quarter of 2013.

Further, on May 2, Capital One hiked its quarterly dividend by 500% to $0.30, which was paid on May 23 to shareholders of record as on May 13. Moreover, in Apr 2013, the company�� first-quarter 2013 earnings easily surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven by a fall in operating expenses, partially offset by decline in revenues.

Top 5 Services Stocks To Watch Right Now: Contango Oil & Gas Co (MCF)

Contango Oil & Gas Company (Contango) is an independent natural gas and oil company. The Company�� core business is to explore, develop, produce and acquire natural gas and oil properties onshore and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico in water-depths of less than 300 feet. Contango Operators, Inc. (COI), its wholly owned subsidiary, acts as operator on its properties.

Offshore Gulf of Mexico Activities

Contango, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, COI and its partially owned affiliate, Republic Exploration LLC (REX), conducts exploration activities in the Gulf of Mexico. COI drills, and operates its wells in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as attends lease sales and acquires leasehold acreage. As of August 24, 2012, the Company's offshore production was approximately 83.5 million cubic feet equivalent per day, net to Contango, which consists of seven federal and five state of Louisiana wells in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These 12 operated wells produce through the four platforms: Eugene Island 24 Platform, Eugene Island 11 Platform, Ship Shoal 263 Platform, Vermilion 170 Platform and Other Activities.

This third-party owned and operated production platform at Eugene Island 24 was designed with a capacity of 100 million cubic feet per day and 3,000 barrels of oil per day. This platform services production from the Company�� Dutch #1, #2 and #3 federal wells. From this platform, the gas flows through an American Midstream pipeline into a third-party owned and operated on-shore processing facility at Burns Point, Louisiana, and the condensate flows through an ExxonMobil pipeline to on-shore markets and multiple refineries. As of August 24, 2012, it was producing approximately 22.5 million cubic feet equivalent per day, net to Contango, from this platform. The Company finished laying six inches auxiliary flowlines from the Dutch #1, #2, and #3 wells to its Eugene Island 11 Platform and is in the process of redirecting production from the Eugene Island 24! Platform to the Eugene Island 11 Platform.

The Company�� Company-owned and operated platform at Eugene Island 11 was designed with a capacity of 500 million cubic feet equivalent per day and 6,000 barrels of oil per day. These platforms service production from the Company�� five Mary Rose wells, which are all located in state of Louisiana waters, as well as its Dutch #4 and Dutch #5 wells, which are both located in federal waters. From these platforms, it can flow its gas to an American Midstream pipeline through its eight inches pipeline and from there to a third-party owned and operated on-shore processing facility at Burns Point, Louisiana. It can flow its condensate through an ExxonMobil pipeline to on-shore markets and multiple refineries.

The Company�� gas and condensate can flow to its Eugene Island 63 auxiliary platform through its 20 inches pipeline, which has been designed with a capacity of 330 million cubic feet equivalent per day and 6,000 barrels of oil per day, and from there to third-party owned and operated on-shore processing facilities near Patterson, Louisiana, through an ANR pipeline. As of August 24, 2012, it was producing approximately 44.6 million cubic feet equivalent per day, net to Contango, from this platform.

The Company�� owned and operated platform at Ship Shoal 263 was designed with a capacity of 40 million cubic feet equivalent per day and 5,000 barrels of oil per day. This platform services natural gas and condensate production from our Nautilus well, which flows through the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline to onshore processing plants. As of August 24, 2012, it was producing approximately 3.0 million cubic feet equivalent per day, net to Contango, from this platform. As of June 30, 2012, the Company owed a 100% working interest and 80% net revenue interest in this well and platform.

The Company�� owned and operated platform at Vermilion 170 was designed with a capacity of 60 million cubic feet equivalent per ! day and 2! ,000 barrels of oil per day. This platform services natural gas and condensate production from its Swimmy well, which flows through the Sea Robin Pipeline to onshore processing plants. As of August 24, 2012, it was producing approximately 13.4 million cubic feet equivalent per day, net to Contango, from this platform.

On July 10, 2012, the Company spud its South Timbalier 75 prospect (Fang) with the Spartan 303 rig. It has a 100% working interest in this wildcat exploration prospect. On July 3, 2012, the Company spud its Ship Shoal 134 prospect (Eagle) with the Hercules 205 rig. The Company purchased the deep mineral rights on Ship Shoal 134 from an independent third-party. It has a 100% working interest in this wildcat exploration prospect. On December 21, 2011, the Company purchased an additional 3.66% working interest (2.67% net revenue interest) in Mary Rose #5 (previously Eloise North). The Company has a 47.05% working interest (38.1% net revenue interest) in Dutch #5.

Offshore Properties

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), State Lease 19396 expired and was returned to the state of Louisiana. As of August 24, 2012, the interests owned by Contango through its affiliated entities in the Gulf of Mexico, which were capable of producing natural gas or oil included Eugene Island 10 #D-1, Eugene Island 10 #E-1, Eugene Island 10 #F-1, Eugene Island 10 #G-1, Eugene Island 10 #I-1, S-L 18640 #1, S-L 19266 #1, S-L 19266 #2, S-L 18860 #1, S-L 19266 #3 and S-L 19261, Ship Shoal 263, Vermilion 170 and West Delta 36. As of August 24, 2012, interests owned by Contango through its related entities in leases in the Gulf of Mexico included Eugene Island 11, East Breaks 369, South Timbalier 97, Ship Shoal 121, Ship Shoal 122, Brazos Area 543, Ship Shoal 134 and South Timbalier 75.

Onshore Exploration and Properties

As of August 24, 2012, the Company had invested in Alta Energy Canada Partnership (Alta Energy) to purchase over! 60,000 a! cres in the Kaybob Duvernay. Contango has a 2% interest in Alta Energy and a 5% interest in the Kaybob Duvernay project. On April 9, 2012, the Company announced that through its wholly owned subsidiary, Contaro Company, it had entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement (the LLC Agreement) to form Exaro Energy III LLC (Exaro). The Company owns approximately a 45% interest in Exaro. Exaro has entered into an Earning and Development Agreement (the EDA Agreement) with Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (Encana) to provide funding to continue the development drilling program in a defined area of Encana�� Jonah field asset located in Sublette County, Wyoming.

As of June 30, 2012, the Exaro-Encana venture had three rigs drilling, has completed five wells and achieved first production. As of August 24, 2012, the Company had invested to lease approximately 25,000 acres in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS), a shale play in central Louisiana and Mississippi.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Vera Yuan]

  ��hares of oil and gas exploration and production company Contango Oil & Gas Co. (MCF) fell, reflecting disappointing results from an exploration well in the Gulf of Mexico.

• [By John Udovich]

  Yesterday, small cap Energy XXI (Bermuda) Limited (NASDAQ: EXXI)�announced a deal to acquire�EPL Oil & Gas Inc (NYSE: EPL) to create the largest publicly held independent oil producer on the Gulf of Mexico shelf, meaning it might be a good idea to look at other small cap Gulf oil stocks like W&T Offshore, Inc (NYSE: WTI), Stone Energy Corporation (NYSE: SGY) and Contango Oil & Gas Company (NYSEMKT: MCF). Energy XXI�� CEO John Schiller has talked about the details of the acquisition�with Jim Cramer on CNBC's "Mad Money" and he noted that��EPL Oil & Gas offers areas of expertise that EXXI currently lacks. However, investors who missed out on�yesterday�� 29% surge for EPL Oil & Gas�may want to check out these other small cap Gulf Oil stocks:

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now: Acciona SA (ANA)

Acciona SA is a Spain-based holding company active in the construction and engineering industry. It is engaged in renewable energy, water services and infrastructure sectors.The Company operates through six business areas; Infrastructure involves the construction, engineering and transportation, as well as hospital concessions; Real Estate is active in the development of real estate properties and parking lot operations; Energy involves the generation, distribution and sale of energy; Transportation and Logistics Services provides integrated transport services for passengers and cargo; Environmental and Urban Services is engaged in activities related to services in the urban scope and environment protection, such as the execution of all types of activities in the water supply; Other Activities is engaged in the provision of services related to funds management and financial intermediation, as well as wine production, among others. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sarah Jones]

  Iberdrola SA (IBE), Spain�� biggest power company, fell 3.4 percent to 3.87 euros. Endesa SA (ELE) slumped 4.6 percent to 16 euros, while Acciona SA (ANA), which owns more than 4 gigawatts of wind farms in the country, tumbled 8.5 percent to 37.95 euros. Red Electrica Corp. slid 7.5 percent to 38.34 euros.

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now: Sun Life Financial Inc.(SLF)

Sun Life Financial Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides various life and health insurance, savings, investment management, retirement, and pension products and services to individuals and corporate customers. It offers individual life insurance policies, including individual term life, universal life, critical illness, disability, accident, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies; and group life insurance policies. The company also provides individual health insurance, long-term care insurance, group health benefits, dental benefits, and group insurance; and various individual and group annuity, retirement, and investment income products and services, such as mutual and pooled funds, variable and fixed annuities, savings, retirement and pension plans, and education savings. In addition, it offers asset management services for corporate retirement plans, separate accounts, public or government funds, and insurance company assets to institutional clients; and advisory services to individual investors. Further, the company provides run-off reinsurance services. Sun Life Financial Inc. distributes its products through direct sales agents, independent and managing general agents, financial intermediaries, broker-dealers, banks, pension and benefit consultants, and other third-party marketing organizations. The company operates primarily in Bermuda, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Sun Life Financial Inc. was founded in 1999 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Patricio Kehoe] sport a 200% ratio. Moreover, the company�� excessive capital should allow it to maintain the above average dividend yield of 2.66% offered to shareholders.

  Valuation

  Over the next five years growth in the Asian market will likely boost the overall modest premium growth rate, averaging it at 2%, while the total revenue CAGR recovers to 3% after the steep declines reported since 2012. Furthermore, Manulife�� ROE will continue its current upward trend, increasing from 2013�� 10.9% to an average 12% by 2018, accompanied by the steadily expanding net margins of 16.8%. While it will take some time for the company�� growth to accelerate, I feel bullish about management�� optimism regarding its business shift, and see the dividend yield and returns on equity as solid benefits for a long term investment. Moreover, the firm is currently trading at a 10% price discount relative to the industry average of 14.0x, making it a relatively inexpensive buy.

  Disclosure: Patricio Kehoe holds no position in any stocks mentioned.

  Also check out: George Soros Undervalued Stocks George Soros Top Growth Companies George Soros High Yield stocks, and Stocks that George Soros keeps buyingAbout the author:Patricio KehoeA fundamental analyst at Lone Tree Analytics Currently 5.00/512345

  Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote)

  Voters: Subscribe via Email Subscribe RSS Comments Please leave your comment: $(document).ready(function(){$('#body_login, #watch, #follow, #fake_submit').click(function(){$.colorbox({innerWidth:"600px",innerHeight:"400px",iframe:false,href:"http://www.gurufocus.com/modules/login_register.php"});});});
  More GuruFocus Links Latest Guru Picks Value Strategies Warren Buffett Portfolio Ben Graham Net-Net Real Time Picks Buffett-Munger Screener Aggregated Portfolio Undervalued Predictable ETFs, Options Low P/S Companies Insider Trends 10-Year Financials 52-Week Lows Interactive Charts Model Portfolios DCF Calculato
• [By Monica Gerson]

  Sun Life Financial (NYSE: SLF) shares gained 2.47% to create a new 52-week high of $34.80 on Q3 results. Sun Life reported its Q3 operating net income from continuing operations of $422 million.

• [By Tim Brugger]

  Initially, the deal Sun Life Financial (NYSE: SLF  ) struck in December to sell its U.S. annuity portfolio and some life insurance products for $1.35 billion to Delaware Life Holdings, a Guggenheim Partners-owned company, was scheduled to be completed by Q2 of 2013.

• [By Amanda Alix]

  Insurance companies have created an entire industry based upon risk, and except for AIG (NYSE: AIG  ) during the financial crisis, it has worked out pretty well. So, it's not a stretch to imagine a large life insurer like Canada's Sun Life Financial (NYSE: SLF  ) assuming the pension liability for the Canadian Wheat Board's defined benefit plan in a recent $147 million deal, the first such accord in Canada's history.

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now: Logitech international SA (LOGI)

Logitech International S.A. (Logitech) is a holding company. Logitech develops and markets hardware and software products for digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Logitech operates in two segments: peripherals and video conferencing. The Company�� peripherals segment includes design, manufacturing and marketing of peripherals for personal computers (PCs) and other digital platforms. Its products for the PC include mice, trackballs, keyboards, interactive gaming controllers, multimedia speakers, headsets, webcams, and lapdesks. Logitech�� Internet communications products include webcams, headsets, video communications services, and digital video security systems for a home or small business. Its digital music products include speakers, earphones, and custom in-ear monitors. On July 6, 2010, Logitech acquired all of the assets of Paradial AS. On March 31, 2011, the Company sold its equity interest in certain 3Dconnexion subsidiaries.

3Dconnexion subsidiaries are the providers of the Company�� 3D controllers, and its intellectual property rights related to the manufacture and sale of certain 3Dconnexion products. Paradial AS provides firewall and network address translation (NAT) traversal solutions for video communications. For home entertainment systems, Logitech offers the Harmony line of advanced remote controls, Squeezebox wireless music solutions and, in the United States, a line of Logitech products for the Google TV platform. For gaming consoles, the Company offers a range of gaming controllers and microphones, as well as other accessories. Logitech�� sells its peripheral products to a network of distributors and resellers and to other equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Company�� worldwide retail network includes wholesale distributors, consumer electronics retailers, mass merchandisers, specialty electronics stores, computer and telecomm! unications stores, resellers and online merchants.

The Company�� video conferencing segment includes design, manufacturing and marketing of LifeSize video conferencing products, infrastructure and services for the enterprise, public sector and other business markets. LifeSize products include high-definition (HD) video communication endpoints, HD video conferencing systems with integrated monitors, video bridges and other infrastructure software and hardware to support large scale video deployments, and services to support these products. Logitech sells its LifeSize products and services to distributors, resellers, OEMs and direct enterprise customers. Logitech conducts its business through subsidiaries in the Americas, including North and South America; Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific, including, among other countries, China, Taiwan, Japan, India and Australia.

Pointing Devices

Logitech offers a range of computer mice, sold through retail and OEM channels. Its mice products include M215, M310 and M305 wireless mice with advanced 2.4 gigahertz wireless connection and cordless universal serial bus (USB) plug-and-forget nano-receiver; Performance Mouse MX and Anywhere Mouse MX with Logitech Darkfield Laser Tracking; Marathon Mouse 750, and Wireless Trackball M570. Logitech�� mice products also include a line of gaming mice, including the Wireless Gaming Mouse G700, with 13 precisely placed, programmable controls to perform single actions and complex macros, full-speed gaming-grade wireless, and a quick-connect charging cable. In addition, the Company sells both corded and cordless mice designed specifically for OEM customers.

Keyboards and Desktops

Logitech offers a range of corded and cordless keyboards and desktops (keyboard-and-mouse combinations). The Company�� keyboards and desktops include Wireless Solar Keyboard K750; K800 Illuminated Wireless Keyboard; The diNovo Edge keyboard; Wireless Desktop MK320, and G! 19 Keyboa! rd for Gaming.

Audio

Logitech designs and manufactures a range of multimedia speakers, including Wireless Speaker Z515, The Laptop Z305 speaker, and The S-series line of portable iPod/MP3 docks, including the Rechargeable Speaker S715i and the Portable Speaker S135i. It also designs and manufactures The Z-623 2.1 THX certified speakers, the Z-506 5.1 Speakers, and the Z-906 5.1 Surround Sound speakers. Logitech offers a portfolio of network music systems. The Squeezebox Touch, with its 4.3-inch color touch screen, connects to existing stereo system and speakers and supports sampling rates of up to 24 bits at 96 kilohertz. The Squeezebox Radio is a compact network music player and alarm that allows to connect to home network, and access Internet radio, personal music collection or subscription services.

The Ultimate Ears product line offers a range of in-ear consumer or fit earphones for portable music enthusiasts, as well as custom stage earphones for musicians and sound engineers. Its line of earphones include Ultimate Ears 100 and 200 value-priced earphones, with silicone ear cushions in a durable sweat-resistant design; Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 with triple armature speakers, and The Ultimate Ears 600 featuring single armature speakers, the Ultimate Ears 600vi, and the Ultimate Ears 700 featuring dual armature speakers. Its line of Ultimate Ears Custom Stage Earphones include Ultimate Ears In-Ear Reference Monitors co-designed with Capitol Studios for professional studio engineers and producers for use during recording, mixing and mastering original music content, the UE-18 Pro featuring a six-speaker design, the UE-7 Pro for live performance and stage use, and the UE-4 Pro featuring a dual speaker design for artists and audiophiles.

Logitech offers headsets and microphones designed for applications, such as PC voice communications, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) applications and online gaming. Its products in this category include the ClearCha! t PC Wire! less headset, the Wireless Headset H760, the USB Headset H530, the G35 Surround Sound Headset for gaming, the Wireless Gaming Headset G930, the USB Desktop Microphone, and the OCS certified Logitech B-530 USB Headset.

Video

Logitech�� webcam offerings include Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910, Logitech Webcam Pro 9000, Logitech HD Webcam C510 and Logitech TV Cam for use with Logitech Revue. Logitech�� webcams works with video messaging applications, and provides up to HD 720p video calling in Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Logitech Vid HD. The Logitech Alert digital video security system is a complete home or small business video security system, with software that provides motion alerts and a live view from an Internet-connected computer, smartphone, tablet or Google TV system, including Logitech Revue.

Gaming

Logitech offers a range of game controllers for PC gamers, including joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, mice and keyboards, and headsets, as well as gaming products for console platforms, such as PlayStation2, PlayStation3, PSP (PlayStation Portable), Xbox, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. The Company�� gaming products include Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse; Logitech G13 advanced gameboard with a built-in LCD screen, 25 programmable keys and onboard memory; Logitech G27 Racing Wheel and Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset.

Digital Home

The Company�� line of remotes includes Harmony One remote, Harmony 900 remote and Harmony 650. In October 2010, Logitech introduced its line of products for Google TV in the United States, including Logitech Revue and the Logitech Keyboard Controller; Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD service, and Logitech Mini Controller.

LifeSize Video Conferencing

LifeSize division offers HD video communication solutions, including HD video conferencing products, audio conference telephones, hardware infrastructure solutions, video management software, and services to support ! video and! audio communications and help users connect to any network securely and with ease. The LifeSize product line includes Passport, LifeSize Video Center, Express Series, Team Series, Room Series and LifeSize Bridge.

The Company competes with Microsoft Corporation, Plantronics, Inc., Altec Lansing LLC, Creative Labs, Inc., Bose Corporation, Sony Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics NV, Hewlett-Packard, Intec, Razer USA Ltd., Performance Designed Products, LLC (Pelican Accessories), Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., Universal Remote Control, Inc., Universal Electronics Inc., RCA, Apple Inc., Roku, Inc., Cisco, Radvision Ltd., Vidyo, Inc. and Polycom.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Adrian Covert]

  What little the world knows about Apple's concrete plans comes mostly from Apple and its hardware partners. Apple released schematics for what third-party iOS controllers should look like (which also revealed that OS X might get in on the fun). Companies such as Logitech (LOGI), ClamCase and Moga followed suit, and they have been teasing their upcoming products since September. And updates to a handful of existing iOS games have included bits about supporting "Made for iPhone" controllers in their release logs.

• [By Brian O'Connell and Brian O'Connell]

  You can�� be a video gamer, a PC user, or even a home entertainment watcher without using one of Logitech�� (NASDAQ: LOGI) products.
  
  The company develops and markets hardware and software products that enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, and audio and video communication over the Internet.
  
  The company�� stock has risen by 16 percent so far this year. In January, Logitech announced ��etter than expected��sales of $628 million for the third quarter, up 2 percent on a year-over-year basis. Cash flow was way up, and earnings per share of $0.30 was up compared to a loss one year earlier.
  
  The retail numbers tell the real story, with the company�� combined retail growth categories up 62 percent, year-over-year. Tablet peripheral salaries were up 95 percent; audio wearables and wireless sales were up 79 percent; and video gaming sales rose by 25 percent in the same time period.
  
  Those are numbers that are manna from heaven for a company that really needed them, after a 30-month period of mediocre performance from 2010-to-mid-2013 that saw LOGU�� share price fall stagnate in the $8-$10-per-share range.
  
  ��e��e pleased by our solid Q3 performance, with both sales and profit growth,��notes Bracken P. Darrell, Logitech�� chief executive officer. ��e��e encouraged by the robust sales in our growth categories, as well as the success of our ongoing initiatives to improve profitability.”
  
  ��e still have more work ahead, but our turnaround is on track as we continue to build a faster and more profitable Logitech,��he adds.
  
  Going forward, Logitech has upped its yearly outlook, calling for sales of $2.1 billion, up from $2 billion in its last outlook. Non-GAAP operating income should rise to $125 million, up from $100 million previously.
  
  Why the continued optimism over Logitech, after two-and-half years of tepid performance?
  
  Fir

• [By James E. Brumley]

  To say the past twelve months have been tough ones for Logitech International SA (NASDAQ:LOGI) might be an understatement. Shares have fallen from a high of $10.29 last September to a low of $6.24 in April of this year. Though LOGI hasn't traded lower than that since then, it's not like the stock's suggested it wants to stage a major recovery... unless maybe you look really, really close. Well, I did.

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now: Mining Minerals of Mexico Corp (WIIM)

Mining Minerals of Mexico, Corp., formerly Cal Alta Auto Glass, Inc., incorporated on October 14, 1999, specializes in the repair and replacement of damaged glass windows on automobiles, including recreational vehicles (RVs) and Motorhomes. The Company uses only factory-authorized glass. It specializes in all foreign and domestic makes and models.

The Company uses other equipment manufacturer (O.E.M.)-rated adhesives and rust inhibiting primer's (manufactured by Dow Automotive). Based in Canada, it has two Auto Glass facilities servicing its customers. The Company stocks its own windshields at each of its locations throughout Calgary.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap mining stocks International Star Inc (OTCMKTS: ILST) and Mining Minerals of Mexico Corp (OTCMKTS: WIIM) sank 13.33% and 24.9%, respectively, today, with at least one of these small cap stocks being the subject of paid promotions or investor relations type of activities while the other has had no news since last summer. So should you dig into these small cap mining stocks which just dug a hole for investors and traders alike? Here is a closer look to help you decide:

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now: Le Gaga Holdings Limited (GAGA)

Le Gaga Holdings Limited engages in cultivating, processing, and distributing vegetables, fruits, and tea leaves in the People�s Republic of China and Hong Kong. The company is also involved in cultivating and selling fir trees. It offers solanaceous vegetables, including sweet peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, and cucumbers; leafy vegetables comprising flowering Chinese cabbage, baby bok choy, and baby Chinese cabbage; and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Chinese cabbage. As of March 31, 2012, the company operated 11 farms with an aggregate area of 1,671 hectares in Fujian, Guangdong, and Hebei provinces. It sells approximately 50 varieties of vegetables primarily to wholesalers, institutional customers, and supermarket chains. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Le Gaga Holdings (NASDAQ: GAGA) is estimated to report its Q4 earnings.

  Adobe Systems (NASDAQ: ADBE) is expected to post its Q3 earnings at $0.34 per share on revenue of $1.01 billion.

Hot Regional Bank Stocks To Buy Right Now: Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation(CDE)

Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, operation, exploration, and development of silver and gold mining properties located primarily in South America, Mexico, the United States, and Australia. The company also explores for lead and zinc ores. Its properties include the Palmarejo mine located in the state of Chihuahua, northern Mexico; San Bartolome mine located near Potosi, Bolivia; Kensington mine located north-northwest of Juneau, Alaska; Rochester mine located in northwestern Nevada; Martha mine located in Santa Cruz, Argentina; and the Endeavor mine in New South Wales, Australia, as well as Joaquin, Tornado, and Satelite properties in Santa Cruz, Argentina. The company was founded in 1928 and is based in Coeur d?Alene, Idaho.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  We continue to recommend Newmont, [Coeur Mining (CDE)] and [Gold Resource Corp. (GORO)] as large cap, silver and small cap picks, respectively.

  Sterne Agee’s comments come one day after Ned Davis Research upgraded the gold sector to Neutral from Underweight. “…gold miners look to be finally bottoming,” John Laforge and Waren Pies wrote, though they say it’s too early to know if a new uptrend has begun.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Coeur d'Alene Mines (NYSE: CDE  ) is to sell its interest in two mines, one in Australia, and one in Chile.� The company has entered into a letter of intent with private company XDM to sell its stake in the silver production and reserves from the Endeavor mine in the former, and the royalty from the Cerro Bayo gold and silver mine in the latter.

• [By Jeremy Bowman]

  What: Shares of Coeur Mining (NYSE: CDE  ) were looking stronger today, gaining as much as 10% after announcing that it increased its investment in International Northair Mines.

• [By Tim Melvin]

  Once again, rather than making a wish on burning match bets, I prefer to buy out of favor companies at a steep discount to their asset and business value. And a�look at the silver miners shows deep discounts to the value of corporate assets that could lead to significant profits.

  Pan American Silver (PAAS) trades at just 65% of book value and has fallen by about 75% over the past few years. Couer Mines (CDE) is fetching just 54% of book and has fallen by around 80% since 2006. Silver Standard Resources (SSRI) trades at 55% of book and for less than the value of the cash the company has in the bank.

  In reality, silver just needs to stop falling in price for these stocks to start to recover. If the analysts are right and silver hits a new high in the next decade, these could easily be the best investments you ever make in your lifetime.

5 Under-$10 Stocks Setting Up to Trade Higher

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- There isn't a day that goes by on Wall Street when certain stocks trading for under $10 a share 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.

Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Dividend Stocks

Just take a look at some of the big movers in the under-$10 complex from Tuesday, including TigerLogic (TIGR), which is exploding higher by 30%%; Blonder Tongue Labs (BDR), which is ripping higher 30%; Amarin (AMRN), which is soaring higher by 22%; and Atlanticus (ATLC), which is jumping higher by 19%. You don't even have to catch the entire move in lower-priced stocks such as these to make outsized returns when trading.

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.

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.

Must Read: 12 Stocks Warren Buffett Loves in 2014

Quest Resource

 

One under-$10 environmental services player that's starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Quest Resource (QRHC), which provides management programs to reuse, recycle, and dispose various waste streams and recyclables in the U.S. This stock has been destroyed by the bears over the last three months, with shares down sharply by 62%.

If you take a glance at the chart for Quest Resource, you'll notice that this stock has been carving out a major bottoming chart pattern over the last month and change, with shares finding buying interest each time it has pulled back to around $1.40 to just under $1.40 a share. Shares of QRHC are now starting to bounce modestly higher off those support levels and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a big breakout trade above some key near-term overhead resistance levels.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in QRHC if it manages to break out above some key near-term overhead resistance levels at $1.59 to $1.61 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that registers near or above its three-month average action of 160,431 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then QRHC will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $1.73 to $1.85 a share, or its gap-down-day high from September at $2 a share. Any high-volume move above $2 will then give QRHC a chance to re-fill some of its previous gap-down-day zone from September that started at $4 a share.

Traders can look to buy QRHC off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $1.43 to $1.41 a share or near its 52-week low of $1.33 a share. One can also buy QRHC 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.

Must Read: 10 Stocks George Soros Is Buying

McDermott International

 

Another under-$10 basic materials player that's starting to trend within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade is McDermott International (MDR), which operates as an engineering, procurement, construction, and installation company worldwide. This stock has been hammered lower by the bears in 2014, with shares down sharply by 53%.

If you take a look at the chart for McDermott International, you'll see that this stock recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $3.60 to $3.66 a share. Following that bottom, shares of MDR have now started to trend higher off those support levels and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade above some key overhead resistance levels.

Market players should now look for long-biased trades in MDR if it manages to break out above some key near-term overhead resistance levels at $4.39 to $4.41 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 6.63 million shares. If that breakout hits soon, then MDR will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at its 50-day moving average of $4.93 to $5.50 a share.

Traders can look to buy MDR off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support at $4 a share or near those double bottom support levels. One can also buy MDR 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.

Must Read: 7 Stocks Warren Buffett Is Selling in 2014

Goodrich Petroleum

 

One under-$10 independent oil and gas player that's starting to trend within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Goodrich Petroleum (GDP) which is engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas. This stock has been smashed lower by the bears over the last six months, with shares down sharply by 64%.

If you take a glance at the chart for Goodrich Petroleum you'll see that this stock has been downtrending badly for the last two months and change, with shares falling sharply lower from its high of $22.61 to its new 52-week low of $7.01 a share. During that downtrend, shares of GDP have been making mostly lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of GDP have now started to bounce higher off its 52-week low and it's beginning to trend within range of triggering a big breakout trade above some key near-term overhead resistance levels.

Top 10 Sliver Stocks To Buy For 2015

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in GDP if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $9.48 to around $9.50 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average volume of 2.07 million shares. If that breakout develops soon, then GDP will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at its 50-day moving average of $11.80 to $12.09 a share., or even $13 to $14 a share.

Traders can look to buy GDP off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $8.30 to $8 a share. One can also buy GDP 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.

Must Read: 10 Stocks Carl Icahn Loves in 2014

Tile Shop

 

Another under-$10 home improvement stores player that's starting to move within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade is Tile Shop (TTS), which operates as a specialty retailer of manufactured and natural stone tiles, setting and maintenance materials, and related accessories in the U.S. This stock has been hammered lower over the last six months, with shares down sharply by 40%.

If you look at the chart for Tile Shop, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways over the last few weeks, with shares moving between $9.11 on the upside and $8.16 on the downside. This trend is occurring below both of TTS's 50-day and 200-day moving averages, although the 50-day moving average is not far off from current levels. Shares of TTS are now starting to bounce a bit above the lower-end of its range and it's begging to approach a breakout trade.

Market players should now look for long-biased trades in TTS if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $8.68 to $9.11 a share and then above its 50-day moving average of $9.20 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 501,409 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then TTS will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $10.14 to $11.19 a share.

Traders can look to buy TTS off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support at $8.16 a share. One can also buy TTS off strength once it starts to bust above those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Must Read: 10 Stocks Billionaire John Paulson Loves in 2014

Neonode

 

One final under-$10 technology player that's quickly moving within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Neonode (NEON), which develops and licenses user interfaces and optical infrared touch technology solutions. This stock has been destroyed by the sellers so far in 2014, with shares down huge by 64%.

If you take a glance at the chart for Neonode, you'll see that this stock has been uptrending over the last month, with shares moving higher from its low of $1.72 to its recent high of $2.46 a share. During that uptrend, shares of NEON have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. This stock has now started to bounce higher right above some near-term support at around $2 a share and it's beginning to flirt with its 50-day moving average of $2.19 a share. That move is starting to push shares of NEON within range of triggering a big breakout trade above some key near-term overhead resistance levels.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in NEON if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.30 to $2.46 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that registers near or above its three-month average action 401,551 shares. If that breakout gets underway soon, then NEON will set up re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $2.80 to $3 a share, or even $3.20 to $3.50 a share.

Traders can look to buy NEON off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $2 to $1.88 a share. One can also buy NEON 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.

Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Dividend Stocks

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.

 

Top 5 Managed Healthcare Companies To Invest In Right Now

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Top Industrial Disributor Companies To Invest In 2015: Emmis Communications Corporation (EMMS)

Emmis Communications Corporation, a diversified media company, engages in radio broadcasting and magazine publishing operations primarily in the United States. It also owns and operates national radio networks in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The company publishes various city and regional magazines, which include Texas Monthly, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Indianapolis Monthly, Cincinnati, Orange Coast, Country Sampler, and related magazines. In addition, it is involved in various businesses, such as Website design and development, digital sales consulting, and operating a news information radio network in Indiana. Further, the company leases its studio and office space. As of April 26, 2012, it owned 18 FM and 2 AM radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Austin, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute. Emmis Communications Corporation was founded in 1981 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Emmis Communications (NASDAQ: EMMS) is expected to report its Q2 earnings.

  AngioDynamics (NASDAQ: ANGO) is projected to post its Q1 earnings at $0.03 per share on revenue of $82.54 million.

Top 5 Managed Healthcare Companies To Invest In Right Now: Sterling Financial Corporation(STSA)

Sterling Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Sterling Savings Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, commercial organizations, and corporations in the United States. Its deposit products include transaction (checking) accounts, savings accounts, money market demand accounts, certificates of deposit, interest and non-interest bearing checking accounts, and time deposits. The company?s loan portfolio comprises commercial lending products, such as lines of credit, receivable and inventory financing, equipment loans, and term real estate financing for owner-occupied properties; multifamily residential and commercial real estate loans; one-to four-family residential loans; and consumer loans for automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles, and lines of credit for personal use. Sterling Financial Corporation also markets fixed income and equity products, mutual funds, annuities, and other financial products. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 72 branches in Washington, 67 branches in Oregon, 13 branches in California, 18 branches in Idaho, and 8 branches in Montana, as well as 169 automated teller machines. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Washington state-based Sterling Financial Bank (NASDAQ: STSA  ) has added a California asset to its portfolio. The lender announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Commerce National Bank, headquartered in affluent Orange County. The price is $15.10 per share in cash. All told, the value of the transaction is just shy of $43 million.

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Sterling Financial (STSA) is engaged in the business of purchasing, managing and collecting portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables, as well as offering accounts receivable management and payment services. This stock closed up 2% to $26.84 in Thursday's trading session.

  Thursday's Volume: 589,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 188,505
  
  Volume % Change: 201%

  From a technical perspective, STSA bounced modestly higher here right above its 50-day moving average of $25.61 with above-average volume. This move is quickly pushing shares of STSA within range of triggering a big breakout trade. That trade will hit if STSA manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $27.47 to its 52-week high at $27.57 with high volume.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in STSA as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $25.61 or above more near-term support at $25, and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 188,505 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then STSA will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $30 to $32.50.

Top 5 Managed Healthcare Companies To Invest In Right Now: Koninklijke Ahold NV (AHONY)

Koninklijke Ahold N.V. (Ahold), incorporated on April 29, 1920, is engaged in the operation of retail food stores in the United States and Europe through subsidiaries and joint ventures. Ahold�� retail operations are presented in four segments: Stop & Shop/Giant-Landover, Giant-Carlisle, Albert Heijn and Albert/Hypernova. During the fiscal year ended January 3, 2010 (fiscal 2009), it operated 2,909 stores. On February 8, 2010, Ahold�� Giant-Carlisle acquired 25 stores from Ukrop�� Super Markets.

Franchisees operated 783 of the Albert Heijn, Etos and Gall & Gall stores, 463 of which were either owned by the franchisees or leased independently from Ahold. Of the 2,446 stores, 20% were company-owned and 80% were leased. Ahold�� stores range in size from 20 to over 10,000 square meters. Albert Heijn is a food retailer in the Netherlands. Etos is a health and beauty retailer in the Netherlands. Gall & Gall is a wine and liquor specialist in the Netherlands. Stop & Shop is a supermarket brand, operating in six states in the northeast United States. Giant-Landover is a supermarket brand, operating in four states in the mid-Atlantic United States. Peapod is an online grocery delivery service working in partnership with Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover. It also serves the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin, and the northern areas of Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  As mentioned, Kroger is still swallowing Harris Teeter and has said it needs time to make more acquisitions. Royal Ahold (NASDAQOTH: AHONY  ) is also said to be leery about doing large acquisitions these days, while Cerberus recently finished acquiring the Albertsons and Acme chains from SUPERVALU (NYSE: SVU  ) �for $3.3 billion.

Top 5 Managed Healthcare Companies To Invest In Right Now: Pioneer Energy Services Corp (PES)

Pioneer Energy Services Corp., formerly Pioneer Drilling Company, incorporated in 1979, provides drilling and production services to independent oil and gas exploration and production companies throughout much of the onshore oil and gas producing regions of the United States and internationally in Colombia. The Company operates in two segments: Drilling Services Division and Production Services Division. The Company�� Drilling Services Division provides contract land drilling services. The Company�� Production Services Division provides a range of services to oil and gas exploration and production companies. On December 31, 2011, the Company acquired Go-Coil, LLC.

Drilling Services Division

The Company�� Drilling Services Division provides contract land drilling services with its fleet of 64 drilling rigs in South Texas, East Texas, West Texas, North Dakota, North Texas, Utah, Appalachia and Colombia. As of February 10, 2012, 55 drilling rigs are operating under drilling contracts, 44 of which are under term contracts. In 2011, the Company established its West Texas drilling division location location where it has 18 drilling rigs operating. In addition to its drilling rigs, the Company provides the drilling crews and the ancillary equipment needed to operate its drilling rigs. Its drilling contracts provide for compensation on either a daywork, turnkey or footage basis.

As of February 10, 2012, the Company owned a fleet of 54 trucks and related transportation equipment that it uses to transport its drilling rigs to and from drilling sites. Under daywork drilling contracts, it provides a drilling rig and required personnel to its customer who supervises the drilling of the well. Under a turnkey contract, the Company agrees to drill a well for its customer. It provides technical and engineering services, as well as the equipment and drilling supplies required to drill the well. The Company often subcontracts for related services, such as the provision of cas! ing crews, cementing and well logging. Under footage contracts, it is paid a fixed amount for each foot drilled.

The Company competes with Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Precision Drilling Trust, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. and Nabors Industries, Ltd.

Production Services Division

The Company�� Production Services Division provides a range of services to oil and gas exploration and production companies, including well services, wireline, coiled tubing and fishing and rental services. Its production services operations are managed through locations concentrated in the United States onshore oil and gas producing regions in the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain and Appalachian states. The Company provides its services to a diverse group of oil and gas exploration and production companies. Under well services, it provides rig-based well services, including maintenance of existing wells, workover of existing wells, completion of newly-drilled wells, and plugging and abandonment of wells at the end of their useful lives.

The Company provides wireline services in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, Louisiana, West Virginia, Wyoming and Mississippi. The Company�� Coiled tubing is used for a number of horizontal well applications such as milling temporary plugs between frac stages. Its coiled tubing business consists of ten coiled tubing units which are deployed in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. The Company�� rental and fishing tool business provides a range of specialized services and equipment that are utilized on a non-routine basis for both drilling and well servicing operations. It provides rental services out of four locations in Texas and Oklahoma. As of February 10, 2012, the Company had a total of 91 well service rigs. Its well service rig fleet consists of eighty-one 550 horsepower rigs, nine 600 horsepower rigs, and one 400 horsepower rig. As of February 10, 2012, the Company had 109 wireline units in 24 locations.

The Company competes with Key Energy Services, Basic Energy Services, Nabors Industries, Superior Energy Services, Inc,

CC Forbes, Schlumberger Ltd., Halliburton Company, Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Superior Energy Services, Basic Energy Services, and Key Energy Services, Quail Tools and Knight Oil Tools.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Pioneer Energy Services (NYSE: PES) shares touched a new 52-week high of $11.58. Pioneer Energy shares have jumped 40.39% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 21.92% in the same period.