LONDON -- I've been popping stocks into my shopping basket in recent weeks and it's time I took one or two to the checkout. Here are five tempting stocks from April. Should I buy any of them?
Experian
Credit-reference agency�Experian� (LSE: EXPN ) has plenty of data on you, but how do its numbers stack up?
In April, I was impressed by the group's sturdy revenue growth, both in the troubled West and expanding emerging markets, and a 222% rise in its share price over five years.
Its full-year results, published in May, showed a 7% rise in earnings before interest and tax to $1.25 billion, and a healthy 10% rise in revenues to $4.7 billion.
Net debt did rise from $1.92 billion to $2.9 billion, as the group bought a further a stake in Brazilian firm Serasa to secure its growth in the country. Experian is also expanding into new markets, notably Turkey, Colombia, Russia, and Chile.
But the market cap isn't cheap, trading at more than 21 times earnings despite a 7% drop in the share price in recent weeks. Nonetheless, Experian's global expansion prospects and forecast earnings per share (EPS) growth of 13% to March 2014 and 10% to 2015 make the company a solid prospect.
Best China Companies To Watch For 2015: Rosetta Stone(RST)
Rosetta Stone Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides technology-based language-learning solutions in the United States and internationally. The company develops, markets, and sells language-learning solutions, such as software, online services, mobile applications, and audio practice tools in approximately 30 languages primarily under the Rosetta Stone brand. Its products and services include Rosetta Course, a self-study interactive language-learning curriculum that consists of sequences of listening, speaking, reading, and writing interactions designed to teach, reinforce, and test learners through its software program; Rosetta Studio comprising a series of coach-led practice sessions that provide learners to practice what they have previously learned through the software program; and Rosetta World, an interactive community of language learners, which gives learners the opportunity to play games with other learners. The company also offers Audio Companion, which i s a series of digital audio files that contain lessons aligned to the Rosetta Stone curriculum, allowing users to practice previously learned material; and TOTALe Companion HD, a learning tool that includes a series of practice lessons, which use images, audio, and speech recognition technology to enable users refine their speaking skills. The company also offers SharedTalk, an online peer-to-peer practice environment at sharedtalk.com; and ReFLEX, a solution designed for English learners who want to enhance listening and speaking skills. Rosetta Stone sells its products and services through Websites, call centers, retailers, direct sales force, and a network of kiosks. Its customers include individuals, home school parents, educational institutions, armed forces, government agencies, corporations, and not-for-profit institutions. Rosetta Stone Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Matthew Argersinger]
The following video excerpt was taken from an interview with Steve Swad, CEO of Rosetta Stone (NYSE: RST ) , in which he talks about his business philosophy, and how it is driving success both for language learners and for the company itself. In this segment, he discusses how acquisition opportunities and new customers will further Rosetta Stone's brand.
- [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]
Don't understand that sentence? Would you like to? For $499, you can buy the Rosetta Stone Spanish software package (or a 36-month subscription to Rosetta Stone's (RST) online language training tools), and learn how to translate it. According to the company, its products are: "Proven to work. Guaranteed." But what if you don't have $499 to invest in learning a new language? Or what if you'd just like to learn Spanish for free? (Or Danish, Dutch, French, German, Irish, Italian or Portuguese, for that matter?) Well, you're in luck. Turns out, there's an app for that. Introducing Duolingo The 2013 Apple iPhone app of the year, Duolingo's self-titled online software program offers English speakers free lessons in each of the above eight languages. (It also offers native speakers of 20 foreign languages a free path to learning English as a second language). More astounding, this free software program may be more effective at teaching a user a language than America's best four-year private colleges -- which can charge as much as $242 per credit hour for the privilege. A 2012 study conducted by professors from the City University of New York and the University of South Carolina found that persons using Duolingo "with no knowledge of Spanish ... will need on average 34 hours ... of study with Duolingo in order to cover the material for the first college semester." In contrast, with a traditional college semester lasting 14 or more weeks, at three hours' of classroom time per week (language lab time would be extra) a college language class involves a minimum of 42 hours' study. That works out to a math problem that even liberal arts students should be able to grasp. If the professors' data is right, a course of study with Duolingo would be 19 percent more effective than college study -- but cost as much as $726 less for a semester's worth of learning. How'd They Do That? Started by the same man who invented the CAPTCHA system used by Internet sites, Carnegie Me
Top Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2014: American Heritage International Inc (AHII)
American Heritage International Inc., formerly Cumberland Hills Ltd., incorporated on January 19, 2010, intends to focus on electronic cigarette. The Company�� product includes American Heritage, American One, American Freedom, American Nights, American Standard and Smoking Alternative Gums and Mints.
The Company�� initial and primary line will be the American Heritage line. American One is a disposable Electronic Cigarette, good for over 500 draws, about the equivalent of over two packs of traditional cigarettes. American Freedom will be the brand name for its Nicotine-Free line of Electronic Cigarettes. American Nights will be a product line targeted to the young adult market of social smokers. Smoking Alternative products will include gums, and mints.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Bryan Murphy]
Lorillard Inc. (NYSE:LO), Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO), and the rest of the big tobacco names may want to take notice. For that matter, anyone with a presence in the electronic cigarette market (which still includes the aforementioned Altria and Lorillard, but many other small payers too) may want to pay attention as well.... e-cig newcomer American Heritage International Inc. (OTCBB:AHII) has just added two states to the number where its premium product can be purchased. The young company promised it was going to expand after jumping into the game on a small scale in - and this isn't a misprint - January of this year. With today's addition of Nevada and Illinois, AHII is now giving MO and LO a run for their money in eleven states. Thirty-nine more to go.
- [By Bryan Murphy]
Every cigarette company from Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO) to Victory Electronic Cigarettes Corp. (OTCMKTS:ECIG) will want to take notice of this morning's news from American Heritage International Inc. (OTCBB:AHII) - the young startup's electronic cigarettes now have something else great going for them. As such, it just got a little easier for smokers to justify dumping traditional tobacco cigarettes like those made by Altria (like Marlboro) in favor of e-cigs....
- [By Bryan Murphy]
Enter American Heritage International Inc. (OTCBB:AHII). No, it's not marijuana play. It's also not a maker of marijuana vending machines. It's an electronic cigarette maker still in its initial expansion phase, and seeing the potential of vending machines (but without the risk and potential legal hurdles of marijuana vending machines), the company announced this morning it has inked a deal with a major operator of vending machines to sell its e-cigs.
- [By John Udovich]
Small cap electronic cigarette stocks Vapor Corp (OTCMKTS: VPCO), Smokefree Innotec�(OTCMKTS: SFIO), Hop-On Inc (OTCMKTS: HPNN) and American Heritage International Inc (OTCBB: AHII) are what�� left of the e-Cig market not controlled by ��ig Tobacco��and at least one of these stocks is positioning itself or its technology to exploit opportunities in marijuana or cannabis. Last year, industry experts were saying that�US retail sales of e-cigarettes could reach $1 billion for the year or�1% of the country's cigarette market but twice that of 2012�as sales go off the Internet and into more mainstream retailers. Moreover, they are being positioned as a ��ealthier��alternative to smoking (albeit some places have already extended their smoking bans to cover the devices). It should be stated that electronic cigarettes look just like traditional cigarettes and are usually comprised of three functional components:
Top Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2014: Carrefour SA (CRERF)
Carrefour SA is a France-based company that is primarily engaged in retail distribution sector. The Company operates a network of hypermarkets, supermarkets, hard discount stores, convenience stores and cash-and-carry outlets and offers e-commerce services. The Company's hypermarkets named Carrefour offer a range of food and non-food products. Carrefour SA�� hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores are operating under the Carrefour city, Carrefour contact, Carrefour express, 8aHuit, Shopi, Marche Plus, Proxi banners and cash & carry stores are operating under the Promocash banner, which primarily offer food, clothing and household goods, among others. The Company operates in mainland France and French overseas territories, as well as in Europe, Asia, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East through a network of consolidated and franchised stores, and stores that Carrefour SA runs with partner companies. In January 2014, it acquired 129 convenience stores. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sophia Yan]
Carrefour (CRERF) has also shuttered many stores, and is reported to be exploring a sale of its China and Taiwan businesses.
Hypermarkets -- big box stores that combine supermarkets and department stores -- first opened up in China's largest cities over a decade ago. And it's no wonder companies such as Wal-Mart have been keen to get a slice of the market.
Top Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2014: Mazda Motor Corp (MZDAY.PK)
Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japan-based company engaged in the manufacture and distribution of automobiles and automobile parts. The Company provides mini vans, compact vehicles, sports cars, sport-utility vehicles, station wagons, sedans, light cars, commercial vehicles, welfare vehicles and special edition automobiles, as well as automobile accessories, including car navigation systems, automobile audio systems, side monitors, rear seat monitors, electronic toll collection (ETC) in-vehicle equipment, security products, driving support products, bulbs, pet carriers and child seats, among others. As of March 31, 2013, the Company had 56 consolidated subsidiaries and 15 associated companies. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Elliott Gue]
This so-called One Ford initiative involved the US$2.3 billion sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors (TTM) and the US$1.6 billion divestment of Volvo to Geely Automobile Holdings (GELYF.PK). After selling the majority of its stake in Mazda Motor Corp (MZDAY.PK) and discontinuing Mercury, Ford Motor Company's portfolio consists of its eponymous mass-market brand and the higher-end Lincoln.
Top Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2014: LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc (RIT)
LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc. (the Fund) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund�� primary investment objective is to provide high current income. Its secondary investment objective is capital appreciation. Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) is the Fund�� investment manager and AEW Management and Advisors, L.P. (AEW) is the Fund�� subadviser. LMPFA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.
The Fund invests in securities related to the real estate industry. Its portfolio includes common stocks, preferred stocks and short-term investments. The Fund invests in sectors, such as office, healthcare, diversified, apartments, industrial, shopping centers, home financing, lodging/resorts, regional malls and specialty.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By GURUFOCUS]
Special Purpose Funds- Eaton Vance Tax-Adv. Global Dividend Oppor. Fund (ETO) | Yield: 7.3%
- The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (GLU) | Yield: 6.2%
- Pimco Global Stocksplus Income Fund (PGP) | Yield: 9.5%
- LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc. (RIT) | Yield: 7.0% - [By Joe Eqcome]
Actionable Items:
Highest Positive Spread: Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund (JLS)Focus Stock: LMP Real Estate Income Fund (RIT)Last Week's Focus Stock: ASA Gold and Precious Metals (ASA)ECB cuts its rates: The European Central Bank (ECB) will cut its benchmark rate a quarter-of-a-point to 0.5%.
Top Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2014: AMR Corp (AAMRQ)
AMR Corporation (AMR), incorporated in October 1982, operates in the airline industry. The Company�� principal subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc. (American). As of December 31, 2011, American provided scheduled jet service to approximately 160 destinations throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. AMR Eagle Holding Corporation (AMR Eagle), a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR, owns two regional airlines, which do business as American Eagle - American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, the American Eagle carriers). American also contracts with an independently owned regional airline, which does business as AmericanConnection (the AmericanConnection carrier). As of December 31, 2011, AMR Eagle operated approximately 1,500 daily departures, offering scheduled passenger service to over 175 destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
American, AMR Eagle and the AmericanConnection airline served more than 250 cities in approximately 50 countries with, on average, 3,400 daily flights and the combined network fleet numbered approximately 900 aircraft as of December 31, 2011. American Airlines is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN Airlines, Iberia, Qantas, JAL, Malev Hungarian, Mexicana, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines. Together, oneworld members serve 750 destinations in approximately 150 countries, with about 8,500 daily departures. American is also one of the scheduled air freight carriers in the world, providing a range of freight and mail services to shippers throughout its system onboard American�� passenger fleet.
To improve access to each other�� markets, American has established marketing relationships with other airlines and rail companies. As of December 31, 2011, American had marketing relationships with Air Berlin, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airl! ines, Dragonair, Deutsche Bahn German Rail, EL AL, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, GOL, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetStar Airways, LAN (includes LAN Airlines, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru), Niki Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.
American has established the AAdvantage frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). AAdvantage members earn mileage credits by flying on American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carrier or by using services of other participants in the AAdvantage program. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded travel on American, American Eagle or other participating airlines, or for other awards. American sells mileage credits and related services to other participants in the AAdvantage program. There are over 1,000 program participants, including a credit card issuer, hotels, car rental companies, and other products and services companies in the AAdvantage program. As of December 31, 2011, AAdvantage had approximately 69 million total members.
The Company competes with Alaska Airlines (Alaska), Delta Air Lines (Delta), Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways (JetBlue), Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines (Southwest) and AirTran Airways (Air Tran), Spirit Airlines, United Airlines (United) and Continental Airlines (Continental), US Airways and Virgin America Airlines.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of United Continental have dropped 0.6% to $31.11 today at 11:33 a.m., while Delta has gained 1.2% to $26.63, US Airways has risen 1.8% to $23.07 and AMR Corp. (AAMRQ) has risen 1.7% to $7.02.
- [By Charley Blaine]
Among the week's winners: Dreamworks Animation (NASDAQ: DWA), up 20.39 percent; Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO), up 15.9 percent; and United Airlines parent United Continental Holdings (NYSE: UAL) up 14.02 percent. AMR (OTC: AAMRQ) added 27.01 percent.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Earlier, the Justice Department said it would sue AMR Corp. (AAMRQ) and U.S. Airways (LCC) to block their merger, citing competitive concerns. AMR has dropped 48% to $2.99 on the news, while U.S. Airways has fallen 10% to $13.38.
Associated PressThe losses for AMR are enormous and its not too difficult to see why. The company is emerging from bankruptcy and this deal was a big part of the plan. Cowen’s Helane Becker and Conor Cunningham consider the implications:
AMR Corp’s POR focused on merging with US Airways. With the DoJ blocking the merger, AMR will need to go back to the drawing board. In our opinion, if the US Airways/AMR deal were to be permanently blocked, AMR would need to address its issues on the standalone basis, likely through capacity and headcount reductions. AMR needs to address its operations in LA and the overall network, which would result in capacity reductions and higher ticket fares. Worst case scenario, AMR would need to liquidate, resulting in significant capacity and headcount reduction. In any scenario, we believe the capacity reductions would benefit the entire industry and result in improved supply/demand environment and PRASM trends.
Becker and Cunningham, however, believe that the selloff in other airlines on the news is “overdone.” They recommend focusing on Delta Air Lines (DAL), which has dropped 9.2% to $19.09, and United Airlines (UAL), which has fallen 6.5% to $31.06.
UPDATE:
S&P Capital IQ analyst Jim Corridore says he’s surprised by the suit. He writes:
We are surprised by the suit, as regulators allowed several other airline combinations over the past few years. We think the planned merger would provide major benefits to LCC, as it would greatly improve what we see as an inferior foreign route network, but we also think LCC is a low-cost carrier with a favorable valuation. Our target price stays $26.
Top Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2014: Advantage Oil & Gas Ltd (AAV)
Advantage Oil & Gas Ltd. and its subsidiaries engage in the acquisition, exploitation, development, and production of oil and gas in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. It produces and sells crude oil, natural gas, sulphur, and natural gas liquids primarily through marketing companies. As of February 5, 2013, the company�s core properties comprised of Glacier Montney natural gas asset with approximately 80 net sections of land located in Alberta. Advantage Oil & Gas Ltd. was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Stephan Dube]
Comparing the netbacks with its peers, we can see that MEG Energy reported Q2 operating netbacks of $41.93/Boe, Advantage Oil & Gas' (AAV) Q2 operating netbacks totaled $14.74/Boe, Baytex has realized $25.76/Boe for Q1 and Bonavista Energy operating netbacks for Q1 amounted to $19.49/Boe. Therefore, with an average netback of $26.11/Boe, BlackPearl's $28.65/Boe is a little higher than the average of its peers with higher realized prices and stronger recoveries.
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