Netflix Inks 'Toons Agreement With Hasbro

Bugs Bunny they ain't, and they lack even the unvocalized theatrical brilliance of Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, but Hasbro's (NASDAQ: HAS  ) Littlest Pet Shop and Kaijudo characters apparently hold some attraction for the pre-tween viewers in this day and age.

Enough attraction, at least, that on Thursday, online video provider Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX  ) announced that it has inked an agreement with Hasbro to make it the exclusive online streamer of both Hasbro Studios offerings Littlest Pet Shop and Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters.

According to a Netflix press release, the company is now the exclusive streamer in the U.S. of "five of Hasbro Studios' most popular shows -- My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic, Transformers Prime, Transformers Rescue Bots, Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters, and Littlest Pet Shop." One month after the end of a "broadcast" season for each series, the whole series will become available for streaming on Netflix. Most of these shows are also already available, or soon will be, to Netflix viewers in Canada as well.

Financial terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

In a statement, Netflix confirmed that it streamed "2 billion hours of kids content" to its members in 2012.

Holding Out for a Bank Hero

Surprisingly, the fed rejected this bank's capital plan, and MoneyShow's Jim Jubak thinks that, in order to move past this hurdle and turn things around, the bank needs to admit culpability and be willing to change.

Ouch! On March 26, the Federal Reserve rejected Citigroup's (C) capital plan.

No dividend increase from a penny a quarter to 5 cents a share, as the bank had planned. No $6.4 billion stock buyback as Wall Street had calculated.

Investors were not amused. Shares of Citigroup fell to $47.75 on March 27 from $50.30 on March 25. That's a 5% drop.

The buy/sell/hold decision now rests on how serious you think the problems are that the Fed flagged. (Citigroup is a member of my Jubak's Picks portfolio.)

The Fed's rejection of the bank's capital plan came as a surprise to the market (and to me). Citigroup had passed Round one of the Fed's stress test of 30 big US banking operations. The bank's 6.5% Tier 1 capital ratio under the stress test scenario was, after all, above the Fed's 5% minimum.

So, Citigroup should have been allowed to go ahead with its capital plan, no?

Well, no.

The Fed rejected the bank's plan, not because Citigroup didn't have adequate capital under the conditions of the Fed's test, but because the Fed had serious reservations about the quality of the bank's ability to estimate revenue and the accuracy of the loss projections that the bank calculated for the stress test. The Fed particularly cited problems with projections in "material parts of the firm's global operations."

In other words, the Fed didn't object to the quantity of the bank's capital, but to the quality of the bank's management of its business.

The difference is huge for shareholders. It's relatively easy to fix a capital ratio problem. You sell off some assets to reduce the capital you need (and to raise the ratio), and you can also raise some capital in the markets. The path is very well explored. A bank doesn't need to invent anything from scratch.

Meeting the Fed's challenge to improve management isn't nearly as easy. Remember that the current CEO at Citigroup, Michael Corbat, took over in 2012, when investors lost patience with the pace of efforts to restructure the bank under then-CEO Vikram Pandit. And remember that the Fed's criticism comes hard on the heels of an investigation into a $400 million fraud involving Citigroup's Mexican unit, Banamex. The New York Times has also reported that federal prosecutors are looking into internal controls at Citigroup's international payment business. The worry is that the bank's internal controls aren't sufficiently tight to prevent money laundering.

All this has led for calls for change, as limited as replacing the bank's current chief financial officer, to as major as breaking up the bank as "too big to manage."

So far—and it's been only a couple of days, I grant you—I haven't found CEO Corbat's response to the Fed's veto to be particularly encouraging to me as a shareholder. The bank's initial response—and it's in keeping with the response to the Fed's stress test for big US banks in general—has been to blame the Fed and fault the process. A quote in the Financial Times from an unnamed Citigroup executive sums up this attitude: "Every year the Fed has to pick on someone and this year it was us—it seems, because of our global complexity."

Yeah, like there aren't real problems with that "global complexity."

I think it's pretty clear that if it comes down to a contest between the Fed and Citigroup, that Citigroup will be the loser—especially since the bank begins any contest with that Banamex fraud case hanging around its neck.

Will Citigroup move past this "poor me" response to change its structure and organization in ways that let the bank prove that it's not too big to manage and that it's not a grab bag of businesses put together by former CEOs? The bank has under-invested in businesses, such as its credit card unit in recent years, as it fought its way out of it's post-global fiscal crisis hole. That's the big promise in Citigroup's future, but to get there, the bank has to admit its current structural problems (and they're not limited to those flagged by the Fed).

I'd like to see Corbat lay out a plan for doing that. I'm willing to give him some time to do that. But not forever. Until I hear that from the bank's CEO, I'd call this a hold.

Full disclosure: I don't own shares of any of the companies mentioned in this post in my personal portfolio. When in 2010 I started the mutual fund I manage, Jubak Global Equity Fund, I liquidated all my individual stock holdings and put the money into the fund. The fund may or may not now own positions in any stock mentioned in this post. The fund did not own shares of Citigroup as of the end of December. For a full list of the stocks in the fund see the fund's portfolio here.

Asian shares rise; Hong Kong gains on China banks

Asian stocks steadied in morning trade to move modestly higher, led by gains in Hong Kong.

A rise in heavily-weighted Chinese bank stocks buoyed Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index 0.9% higher to 22,022.10. China's major banks this week have reported solid profits for 2013, easing for now lingering doubts around the sector's financial health.

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., the nation's largest bank by assets, late Thursday said its net profit for 2013 rose 10% from a year earlier. Shares rose 1.5% Friday.

In Sydney, stocks on the S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3% as the Australian dollar continued its run higher. The currency last traded at US$0.9293 from US$0.9257 late in New York.

Bloomberg Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (ICBC) signage is seen on one of the company's offices in Beijing, China.

"There is buying to get out of a short and buying to go long," said Marc Chandler, global head of foreign-exchange at Brown Brothers Harriman. "Shorts are getting out, and there are bottom-pickers coming in."

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index rose 0.1% after falling as much as 0.7% in early trading. Corporate news took the lion's share of attention. Shares of Yahoo Japan Corp. slid 9% after the company said it would pay ¥324 billion (US$3.15 billion) to acquire wireless service provider eAccess from majority shareholder SoftBank Corp. SoftBank shares fell 2.2%.

Traders were also digesting data showing that household spending fell in Japan last month, defying expectations for a consumer spending boom ahead of Japan's sales tax increase next week. Household spending fell 2.5% in February versus the 0.1% rise economists expected.

Korea's Kospi index rose 0.33% to 1984.42 while Taiwan's Taiex traded flat.

A weak session on Wall Street had put a damper on initial trading Friday. The world's largest stock market has struggled for direction this week amid mixed reports on the U.S. economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell less than 0.1% to close at 16264.23 Thursday. It had been down as many as 77.20 points, and up 31.95 points, during the session. The S&P 500 index lost 3.52 points, or 0.2%, to 1849.04.

More MarketWatch news:

Asia Markets blog: Dawn of the data in Japan

Got $16? Then invest in a blockbuster movie, says Alibaba

Bill Miller explains how to make money in a changing market

3 Chinese Stocks Set to Gain On China’s Economic Rebound

Popular Posts: U.S. Airline Stocks Should Soar Through 201413 Lucky Stocks To Buy On DipsYHOO: Yahoo Stock Is More Than Just Alibaba Bounce Recent Posts: 3 Chinese Stocks Set to Gain On China’s Economic Rebound Walt Disney Stock is Still Magic For Investors 70 Trades To Make Now That Rates May Rise View All Posts

There have been some concerns on Wall Street the past few weeks about the Chinese economy. The latest sign was a decline in the Purchasing Managers Index, which came in below the consensus expectation and made the markets nervous Chinese stocks.

However the weakness just makes it that much more likely that the Chinese government will add stimulus programs to get the economy back in gear. The Chinese government is targeting a 7.5% growth rate this year and earlier this month said they will increase spending on things like construction spending and other programs designed to get growth back on track.

This will be great news for our Chinese stocks. We hold several high quality China-related stocks that are still exhibiting best of the best fundamentals. I am willing to add to these positions on any weakness as they still have very strong sales and earnings growth and the analysts are increasing their estimates for these powerful companies.

Let’s take a look at these winners:

SouFun Holdings Limited (SFUN) is a great example of a best in class Chinese stocks that I am excited about right now. The company operates a real estate internet portal that serves real estate developers in the marketing phase of new property developments, as well as to real estate agencies. They also allow companies that make housing related products like home furnishing and improvement products as well as companies selling consumer products like furniture and electronics.

Earnings are up over 80% this year and sales on fire rising by about 50%. SFUN has posted four consecutive earnings surprises and analysts recently raised their estimates for 2014 and 2015 profits. Portfolio Grader raised the company to a strong buy back in July and this stock is still a strong buy at the current price.

Education is a top priority in China and competition for the best schools are intense. TAL  Education Group (XRS) benefits form the focus on education by offering tutoring services for kids in grades k-12. They operate a network of 270 learning centers and 247 service centers in China and also have 5 call centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

XRS also operates eduu.com, an online education platform that serves as a gateway to its online courses on topic such as college entrance examinations, high school entrance examinations, mathematics,  English and Chinese composition. The high level of interest in education is powering strong earnings growth with profits up over 38% this year and in the most recent quarter the bottom line was up 66% year over year.

The company has posted a positive earning surprise the past four quarters in a row and Portfolio Grader has ranked the stock an A since last August. XRS shares remain a strong buy today as the fundamentals just keep getting better.

Qihoo 360 Technology Co. Ltd (QIHU)  is a stock I have mentioned a few times in the past few weeks. The company provides Internet and mobile security products in the People’s Republic of China and is growing a very high rate. In the most recent quarter this company had sales growth of over 100% and earnings surged by more than 200% year over year. They are now the undisputed leader in smart phone security in China with over 70% market share.

Analysts have recently raised their r2014 and 2015 profit estimates after three consecutive big positive earning surprises in a row. Portfolio Grader upgraded this stock to an A back in June and the stock remains a strong buy today.

Even though there may be a few fists and starts along the way China will be one of the fastest growing companies in the world for the foreseeable future. Furthermore the government is committed to growing the economy at a high rate as it expands its role in the world and develops a thriving middle class. This is great news for those Chinese companies that have the very best fundamentals as identified by Portfolio Grader.

Nissan recalls 1 million vehicles due to airbag flaw

  Timeline: What went wrong at GM NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Nissan Motor is recalling more than 1 million vehicles in the United States and Canada to fix a software problem that could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in an accident.

Nissan (NSANF) said it is not aware of any deaths caused by the problem, but can not give details about resulting injuries.

The problem is with the sensors in the front passenger seats that are supposed to tell if an adult or a child is sitting on the seat. Because the risk of injury or death to child is greater from an airbag than from an accident itself, if the system senses there is not enough weight in the front passenger seats, that airbag will not deploy.

The problem with the Nissans is that the sensors are shutting off the airbag even if an adult is in the seat.

The cars being recalled are most of the best-selling Nissan and luxury Infiniti models from the last two years. They include the 2013-2014 Altima, Leaf, Pathfinder and Sentra, the model year 2013 NV200 cargo van that's also known as the Nissan taxi, the 2013 Infiniti JX35, and the 2014 Infiniti Q50 and QX60 cars.

  Inside Nissan's 'Taxi of Tomorrow'

The recall comes as the industry and safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are focused on a recall of 1.6 million vehicles worldwide by General Motors (GM, Fortune 500). A problem with the ignition system can cause the car to shut off while driving, disabling not only the airbags but also the power steering and brakes.

At least 12 deaths have been caused by GM's ignition defect. GM has come under harsh criticism, and CEO Mary Barra has made numerous apologies, due to revelations that its engineers were aware of the problem as early as 2004 but did not order a recall until February of this year.

The GM ignition switch is not the only large auto industry recall getting attention in recent months. Honda (HMC) has recalled 900,000 Odyssey minivans due to fire risk, and GM announced another round of recalls covering 1.5 million U.S. cars. Toyota Motor (TM) agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine to settle a criminal probe into its co! nduct surrounding a 2010 recall for unintended acceleration.

Regulators compete for slice of IRA rollover pie

The next big area for regulatory development and risk management for advisers is here: rollovers out of retirement plans into individual retirement accounts.

Such was the conclusion reached by a panel of legal experts Sunday afternoon at the National Association of Plan Advisors' annual 401(k) Summit in New Orleans.

Panelist C. Frederick Reish, a partner at Drinker Biddle & Reath, referred to distributions out of retirement plans and IRA rollovers as “the top issue for 2014.”

“Because of the amount of money that's moving from 401(k)s to IRAs, regulators worry about conflicts of interest, higher retail prices and the impact on the sustainability of lifetime income,” Mr. Reish said.

(Related: A warning on multiple IRA rollovers)

Though the Labor Department in the past issued an advisory opinion on rollover capture, the impression in the industry was that it didn't impose much of a burden on non-fiduciary advisers to retirement plans. In fact, it's acceptable for non-fiduciary brokers working with retirement plans to receive rollover business if they can demonstrate that they are not using their authority to solicit workers for rollover business. Rather, they can educate the employees, and the workers can seek these advisers for rollover help on their own.

But the Securities and Exchange Commission and Finra have both recently signaled that they are very interested in how brokers handle their rollover business. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. went so far as to issue Regulatory Notice 13-45 last December, highlighting the fact that broker-dealers and registered reps must bear in mind the suitability of their recommendations when they guide clients on how to proceed with a potential rollover.

Mr. Reish warned that it's one thing if brokers are providing education on rollovers, describing the advantages and disadvantages of distributions out of a retirement plan. But these non-fiduciary brokers ought to maintain a checklist of the items they discuss with plan participants, and keep written disclosures.

“Think a little in terms of 408(b)(2) type disclosures of fees and services, [fiduciary] status,” said Mr. Reish, referring to a fee disclosure regulation from the Labor Department that went into effect in 2012 and that spells out fee disclosures service providers must share with plan sponsors.

Marcia Wagner, president of The Wagner Law Group and a panelist Sunday, suggested using the Finra notice as a road map of what broker-! dealers and reps should incorporate into their best practices. It's a checklist of what Finra will audit, she said.

“Use it as a training manual for your reps with respect to conflicts of interest,” Ms. Wagner said. “You need to have model disclosures and disclaimers. Use this Finra guidance as a checklist to do so.”

What we're experiencing right now with respect to regulators' heightened focus on IRA rollovers is, in some sense, a natural progression. “It's a metaphysical law of nature: Pendulums swing,” Ms. Wagner said. “Rollovers were the Wild West for a long time, and now it's swinging in the other direction where it's too much and all the agencies want a piece of the pie.”

Thursday’s Analyst Moves: J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Costco Wholesale Corporation, VF Corp, More (JBHT, COST, VFC, More)

Before Thursday’s opening bell, a number of big name dividend stocks were the subject of analyst moves. Below, we highlight the important analyst commentary for investors.

J.B. Hunt Cut to “Neutral” at BofA/Merrill

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) has been downgraded from “Buy” to “Neutral” at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch as the Burlington Northern service issues could limit growth. The firm has a $78 price target on JBHT, suggesting a 10% upside from the stock’s current price of $70.99. JBHT has a dividend yield of 1.13%.

UBS Downgrades MSC Industrial

UBS has cut its rating on MSC Industrial Direct Co Inc (

Attorneys general ask retailers to nix tobacco

Attorneys general in 28 states are asking five major U.S. retailers to stop selling tobacco products in stores that also have pharmacies, urging them to follow the example of CVS Caremark Corp., which unveiled plans to remove tobacco products from its stores last month.

The attorneys general have written to the chief executives of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Walgreen Co., Rite Aid Corp., Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co., asking them to remove tobacco products from their shelves. They also praised CVS's decision to end tobacco sales in its stores.

CVS, the nation's second-largest pharmacy chain, is aiming to stop selling all cigarettes and tobacco products nationwide by October, and has said they have no place in a drugstore company that is trying to become more of a health-care provider.

The latest push to remove tobacco from retailers' shelves is being led by Ohio Attorney General Michael DeWine and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

"Pharmacies and drugstores, which increasingly market themselves as a source for community health care, send a mixed message by continuing to sell deadly tobacco products," Mr. Schneiderman said in a statement Monday.

Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com

Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires

Crews try to contain oil spill in Galveston Bay

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A barge carrying nearly a million gallons of especially thick, sticky oil collided with a ship in Galveston Bay on Saturday, spilling an unknown amount of the fuel into the popular bird habitat just as the peak of the migratory shorebird season was approaching.

Booms were brought in to try to contain the spill, which the Coast Guard said was reported at around 12:30 p.m. ET by the captain of the 585-foot ship, Summer Wind.

The ship collided with a barge carrying 924,000 gallons of fuel oil that was being towed by the vessel Miss Susan, the Coast Guard said. It didn't give an estimate of how much fuel had spilled into the bay, but there was reportedly a visible sheen of oil at the scene.

The barge was being towed from Texas City to Bolivar at the time. The Coast Guard said that Kirby Inland Marine, which owns the tow vessel and barge, was working with it and the Texas General Land Office at the scene.

The Coast Guard said six crew members from the tow vessel were in stable condition, but it offered no details about their injuries.

Jim Suydam, spokesman for the General Land Office, described the type of oil the barge was carrying as "sticky, gooey, thick, tarry stuff."

"That stuff is terrible to have to clean up," he said.

Mild weather and calm water seemed to help containment efforts, but stormy weather was forecast for the area on Sunday. Suydam said almost every private cleanup outfit in the area was out there helping out under the coordination of the Coast Guard and General Land Office.

Bruce Clawson, the director of the Texas City Homeland Security, told The Daily News in Galveston that the barge sank, but that there is no danger to the community, which is about 40 miles southeast of downtown Houston. Suydam said he could not confirm whether the barge sank.

Tara Kilgore, an operations coordinator with Kirby Inland Marine, declined to comment Saturday.

On its Facebook page, Texas City Emergency Management said the dike ! and all parks on the water are closed until further notice. And the Coast Guard said that part of the Houston ship channel was closed to traffic.

Richard Gibbons, the conservation director of the Houston Audubon Society, said there is very important shorebird habitat on both sides of the Houston ship channel.

Audubon has the internationally-recognized Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary just to the east, which Gibbons said attracts 50,000 to 70,000 shorebirds to shallow mud flats that are perfect foraging habitat. He did not know how much oil had been spilled, but said authorities were aware of the sanctuaries and had practiced using containment booms in the past.

"The timing really couldn't be much worse since we're approaching the peak shorebird migration season," Gibbons said.

Monday marks the 25th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez spill off the coast of Alaska. Suydam said that spill spurred the creation of the General Land Office's Oil Spill and Prevention Division, which is funded by a tax on imported oil that the state legislature passed after the Valdez spill. The division does extensive response planning including pre-positioned equipment along the Texas coast.

Payments, Payroll, and Profits

To the surprise of many, interest rates have backed off a bit so far this year. However, I think you will see some upward pressure on interest rates this year, especially in the second half of the year, suggests Chuck Carlson, editor of DRIP Investor.

That upward pressure could provide a nice bump for certain companies that benefit from higher rates.

Cass Information Systems (CASS) provides invoice management, audit, and payment services for companies in a variety of industries. The company disburses approximately $35 billion annually for its clients.

Part of Cass Information's net income comes from interest on the balances generated during their clients' payment-processing cycles. Thus, higher interest rates would generate greater interest income on clients' funds that Cass holds.

The stock has dipped in recent trading, but the price decline is offering an attractive entry point in these shares. I own the stock and view it as a solid play among small-cap DRIPs. (The stock's market capitalization is approximately $600 million.)

Cass has a direct-purchase plan in which any investor may buy the first share and every share of stock directly from the company. Minimum initial investment is $250.

Another stock I own that benefits from higher rates is Paychex (PAYX). The firm provides payroll processing and other human resources services primarily for small- and mid-sized companies. Paychex, too, holds clients' funds, primarily for taxpaying.

Thus, it generates float off the client funds it holds for disbursement. The stock, yielding well over 3%, has pulled back in recent trading and is a buy at current prices.

Paychex offers a direct-purchase plan whereby investors may buy the first share and every share directly from the company. Minimum initial investment is $250. The plan is especially fee-friendly. There is no enrollment fee and no fee to buy shares in the plan.

Subscribe to DRIP Investor here…

More from MoneyShow.com:

Inflation Protection for Global Investors

Three Top-Ranked Funds for Rising Rates

The Case for Strategic Income

Wal-Mart's new tool gives competitors prices

NEW YORK (AP) — The "Every Day Low Price" king is trying to shake up the world of pricing once again.

Wal-Mart told The Associated Press that it has rolled out an online tool that allows shoppers to compare its prices on 80,000 food and household products to those of its competitors. The world's largest retailer began offering the feature that's called "Savings Catcher" on its website late last month in seven big markets that include Dallas, San Diego and Atlanta.

The move by Wal-Mart, which has a long history of undercutting competitors, could change the way people shop and how other retailers price their merchandise. After all, Americans already increasingly are searching for the lowest prices on their tablets and smartphones while in checkout aisles.

Shoppers do this so often that big retailers that include behemoths like Target and Best Buy have started offering to match the lower prices of rivals — but only if shoppers do the research on their own. The idea behind Wal-Mart's online feature, on the other hand, is to do the legwork for customers.

The tool isn't revolutionary. For instance, Citibank launched a program two years ago that sends Citi credit card customers a check for the difference if it finds a lower price from an online retailer. But Wal-Mart is the first traditional retailer to offer such a program, and if it's successful, others may follow.

Duncan MacNaughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer for Wal-Mart Store's U.S. discount division told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview that shoppers are looking for "technological answers to saving them money and time."

Wal-Mart, which declined to comment on when the program would be rolled out nationwide, said it's hoping the online tool will build more confidence among Wal-Mart shoppers that it has the best price whenever they shop in stores.

The company built its business on offering the lowest prices on staples such as milk, bread and laundry detergent. But Wal-Mart's "every d! ay low price" model is under attack from online king Amazon and other competitors that sometimes offer items cheaper. On top of that, the retailer's primarily lower-income customers continue to cut back on spending during the economic recovery.

As a result, Wal-Mart's U.S. discount division recorded its fourth consecutive quarter of declines in revenue at stores opened at least a year, a critical yardstick for measuring a retailer's health. The discounter also has seen a decline in the number of shoppers going to its stores.

Wal-Mart has had a price matching strategy for several years. In 2011, it simplified the policy by making sure workers have the advertised prices of competitors on hand at the register, eliminating the need for shoppers to bring in an ad from a rival store.

Wal-Mart said the idea for Savings Catcher was born last year during a focus group. The idea instantly resonated with the group, the retailer said, and by last summer, Wal-Mart was testing it in four markets on an invitation-only basis. In late February, the company began rolling it out to the seven markets that also include Charlotte, N.C., Huntsville, Ala., Minneapolis, and Lexington, Ky.

Here's how the tool works: A customer has to set up an account on Wal-Mart.com, then logs onto the Savings Catcher page on www.walmart.com/ and type in the number on their receipt. Shoppers need to register the number within seven days of purchase. Savings Catcher compares prices of every item on the receipt to a database of advertised prices of competitors. The database is provided by an undisclosed third party that analyzes retail ads.

The prices at Wal-Mart stores are matched to competitive stores based on geographic location, but not online retailers. For example, in Atlanta, Wal-Mart compares prices to nearly 20 rivals, including Aldi, CVS, Food Lion, Target and Dollar General. The tool doesn't include purchases on store label brands or those made online. The tool also doesn't apply to general merchandise lik! e clothin! g or electronic gadgets, but does include groceries and things like detergent.

The savings are issued on a Wal-Mart online gift card and the customers can accumulate savings or use the credit immediately. Shoppers can use the credit in stores or online by printing out the gift card receipt.

Wal-Mart's MacNaughton said preliminary data shows that in the markets that have the Savings Catcher, shoppers are putting more items in their basket and the checkout lines are faster because people don't feel like they have to pull out their smartphones or circular ads to check prices.

Anne Jurchak was part of Wal-Mart's focus group. She said she's been getting back $5 to $7 on her weekly trips to Wal-Mart in which she typically spends $200 to $250. Jurchak has used those savings to buy holiday stocking stuffers and a case for her e-reader.

As a part-time marriage counselor and mother of two sons, Jurchak, 41, a said she's never had time to take advantage of price matching.

"They're doing the work for me," said Jurchak, who lives in Belmont, N.C. "The only thing they're not doing is putting the groceries away."

Follow Anne D'Innocenzio at —http://www.Twitter.com/adinnocenzio

Coal Stocks Slump as Walter Energy Loads Up on Debt

Coal stocks are tumbling today, as Walter Energy (WLT) sold a boatload of debt, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch predicted lower coal prices.

Greg Kahn / GRAIN

Shares of Walter Energy have dropped 17% to $7.54 at 1:$1 p.m. today, Peabody Energy (BTU) has fallen 1.4% to $15.52, Alpha Natural Resources (ANR) has declined 3.2% to $4.31 and Arch Coal (ACI) is off 1.2% at $43.0.

Walter Energy announced that it would sell $200 million of senior secured notes due 2019 with a coupon of 9.500% a year, and priced its private offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of 11.0%/12.0% Senior Secured Second Lien PIK Toggle Notes due 2020. Walter has a debt-equity ratio of 369, according to Bloomberg, more than twice Peabody Energy’s 152. Walter’s announcement comes just two days after James River Coal (JRCC) missed a coupon payment on its own debt. Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed Walter Energy’s B-minus rating yesterday but said the outlook is negative.

Bloomberg has the details on Merrill Lynch’s coal forecast:

Walter Energy Inc. and other U.S. producers of metallurgical coal slumped after Bank of America Corp. said supply and demand fundamentals for the commodity will be "depressed" for the next several years…

Benchmark contract prices for metallurgical coal, which is used to make steel, are at $143 a ton in the first quarter, the lowest since 2010. Quarterly prices will be in a range of $130 to $150 a ton in the next several years, Timna Tanners, a New York-based analyst at Bank of America, said today in a note.

Shares of Walter Energy have plunged 55% so far this year, while Peabody Energy has fallen 21%, Alpha Natural Resources has declined 40% and Arch Coal has dipped 3.2%.

Hyatt's one-person welcoming committee

From left: Meetings team setting up at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago; Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile

(Fortune) 100 Best Companies to Work For rank: 95 Headquarters: Chicago Employees: 95,000 Perk: After one year of service, associates can receive up to 12 nights of free stays per year at Hyatt properties around the world.

Starting a new job can be downright nerve-racking, much like being the new kid at school. Hyatt Hotels decided to zap the jitters from the equation by developing a friendlier process that pairs an experienced staff member with new hires for their first day on the job. New associates at the Hyatt Regency Resort Maui get an "Aloha!" and a lei, and at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country in San Antonio they bound off on a scavenger hunt through the resort. At the Hyatt Regency Phoenix new hires will find Brittany Hauk or one of her colleagues waiting for them with a card, ready to show them the ropes.

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Morning Market Losers

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Renren (NYSE: RENN) shares declined 9.42% to $3.42 after the company reported Q4 results. Renren expected Q1 sales of $23.0 million to 25.0 million, versus analysts' estimates of $30.20 million.

Central European Media Enterprises (NASDAQ: CETV) shares dropped 8.35% to $3.95 in pre-market trading after gaining 6.95% on Tuesday.

Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) slipped 7.93% to $8.24 after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock from Neutral to Sell.

Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) shares tumbled 3.44% to $37.51 after the company reported weaker-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings. Oracle's quarterly profit surged to $2.57 billion, or $0.56 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $2.5 billion, or $0.52 per share. Its revenue jumped to $9.31 billion versus $8.96 billion. Its adjusted profit came in at $0.68 per share.

Kandi Technolgies Group (NASDAQ: KNDI) shares tumbled 3.21% to $20.48 after the company entered into an agreement for registered direct placement of $11.05 million of common stock and warrants.

Posted-In: market losersNews Movers & Shakers Intraday Update Markets

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

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Russia: Opportunity in Chaos

Global expert Keith Fitz-Gerald is willing to take a contrarian stance by recommending two Russian stocks amidst the crisis in the Ukraine. The editor of Strike Force looks at stocks that he likens to the Google and Twitter of Russia.

Steve Halpern: We are here today with Keith Fitz-Gerald, chief investment strategist of Money Map Report and editor of the Strike Force Newsletter. How are you doing today, Keith?

Keith Fitz-Gerald: I'm doing great, it's great to be back, and thank you for having me.

Steve Halpern: You're well-known as both a global stock expert as well as a very independent thinker, often willing to take positions which are contrary to the consensus. Before we talk about some specific situations, could you expand a little on contrary investing in general, and perhaps explain the psychology involved when buying when others are fearful.

Keith Fitz-Gerald: I'd be happy to. Most people think about contrarian investing incorrectly. They assume that it's simply going away from the herd or doing something differently.

In reality, if you look at how the all-time greats practice it, and I mean guys like the legendary Jim Rogers, or Mark Mobius, or Sir John Templeton, they hunted for value.

What they wanted was to find businesses with cash flows and opportunity that others didn't yet see, so, really, their notion of contrarian investing, as I practice it, is to hunt for unrecognized opportunity in the middle of chaos that sends investors running the other way out of fear when, in fact, they should be wading in because that's where the biggest returns come from.

Steve Halpern: Emotionally, that's difficult to do. You'll recognize that, correct?

Keith Fitz-Gerald: Oh, yes. Emotionally, it's very, very trying, and this assumes, of course, that you have the balance of your portfolio appropriately allocated and properly protected, because you don't want to take unnecessary risks and you never want to try and catch a falling knife.

But if you have an opportunity that is unloved, unrecognized, and yet, still has tremendous promise, it's a great opportunity to wade into the market, and let me give you an example:

Sir John Templeton, in 1939, borrowed $10,000, and he bought shares in every single company on the New York stock exchange that was trading under, I think it was $1, at the time. He made money on 100 out of 104 companies that he purchased and quadrupled his money.

He understood that war—while unpleasant, and the world was going to be plunged into chaos for maybe even years—would ultimately produce solid rebound. I'm betting the same thing is happening in parts of the world today.

Steve Halpern: Now, a good example of your contrarian style is your willingness to look beyond the headlines and take a bullish stance on select Russian equities. In your latest newsletter, you called this an opportunity to capitalize on the chaos, could you expand on that?

Page 1 | Page 2 | Next Page The expert featured in this column, Keith Fitz-Gerald, may or may not own positions in any investment vehicle mentioned here. The views and opinions expressed are his or her own.

Jean-Marie Eveillard on the Merits of the Buffett Vs. Graham Investment Approach

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Also check out: Jean-Marie Eveillard Undervalued Stocks Jean-Marie Eveillard Top Growth Companies Jean-Marie Eveillard High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Jean-Marie Eveillard keeps buying
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FDIC sues 16 banks over Libor manipulation

A U.S. bank regulator is suing 16 of the biggest U.S. and foreign banks, accusing them of manipulating an influential benchmark used to set interest rates on contracts around the world.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. alleges the banks committed fraud by manipulating the London Interbank Offered Rate, or Libor, to enrich themselves. Those banks, which include Bank of America, Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase, all sit on an industry panel that set the London Interbank Offered Rate, or Libor.

The FDIC is suing on behalf of a group of U.S. banks that failed during the financial crisis and were taken over by the agency.

The FDIC alleges that collusion among the banks that set Libor rates interfered with the competitive process in the markets for money and Libor-based financial instruments. Their actions artificially increased the prices they charged and the margins they earned in those markets, according to the FDIC's complaint.

The Libor panel banks' actions allowed them to charge higher underwriting fees and obtain higher offering prices for financial products "to the detriment of the closed banks and other consumers," the FDIC alleged.

Libor is used to set rates on trillions of dollars of mortgages, car loans, student loans and some complex financial derivatives. Libor rates cover multiple currencies worldwide for varying time periods.

Authorities in the U.S., Europe and Asia have been investigating Libor manipulation for at least two years. Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Swiss banking giant UBS, Netherlands-based Rabobank and ICAP, the world's largest inter-dealer broker, collectively have been fined $3.6 billion by U.S., British and other regulators in connection with the probe.

The FDIC comp! laint draws on admissions by banks that have settled government charges.

5 Stock Charts Screaming 'Buy' in March

BALTIMORE (Stockpickr) -- U.S. stocks have been moving straight up for more than a month now, busting through the new highs that the S&P 500 set back in January. But that could be about to change.

>>5 Stocks With Big Insider Buying

The market's "up, up and away" trajectory has stocks hitting their heads on the top of the trading range they've been bouncing in for the last 15 months. That doesn't mean it's time to duck and cover with your stock portfolio. We're still in a "buy the dips" market -- we're just due for another dip.

But while the broad market hints at a correction, some names are still screaming "buy" right now. Today, we're taking a closer technical look at five of them.

If you're new to technical analysis, here's the executive summary.

>>Invest Like a Hedge Fund With the Pros' 5 Top Stocks

Technicals are a study of the market itself. Since the market is ultimately the only mechanism that determines a stock's price, technical analysis is a valuable tool even in the roughest of trading conditions. Technical charts are used every day by proprietary trading floors, Wall Street's biggest financial firms and individual investors to get an edge on the market. And research shows that skilled technical traders can bank gains as much as 90% of the time.

Every week, I take an in-depth look at big names that are telling important technical stories. Here's this week's look at five high-volume stocks to trade this week.

Novartis

First up is big pharma firm Novartis (NVS). Novartis has shown a huge correlation with the S&P 500 this year, so not surprisingly, it's bouncing higher in an uptrending channel of its own. That makes NVS a perfect example of how to trade this sort of "buy the dips" market.

>>5 Hated Earnings Stocks You Should Love

You don't have to be an expert technical analyst to figure out what's going on in NVS -- a quick glance at this chart tells you everything you need to know. NVS has been bouncing between a pair of parallel trend lines since back in the summer; those lines are the high-probability range for shares of Novartis to keep bouncing in between. So, as shares slide off of trend line resistance, patient investors are coming up on a sixth buying opportunity in this channel when NVS comes down to test support.

It's important not to be early on the NVS trade. The bounce off of support is likely to coincide with a support bounce in the S&P 500 -- that'll be an ideal buying opportunity since it'll synch up a buy signal in NVS with a buy signal in "stocks in general" later this month. Keep an eye on the bottom of the channel.

Micron Technology

Flash memory stock Micron Technology (MU) has been the poster child for large-cap momentum stocks over the last year, rallying a staggering 170% in the last 12 months alone. MU is another uptrending channel trade on our list today. And for traders who don't want to wait for NVS to test support, Micron is offering up a support bounce of its own this week.

>>2 Big Tech Stocks to Trade (or Not)

Waiting to buy off a support bounce makes sense for two big reasons: It's the spot where shares have the furthest to move up before they hit resistance, and it's the spot where the risk is the least (because shares have the least room to move lower before you know you're wrong). Remember, all trend lines do eventually break, but by actually waiting for the bounce to happen first, you're ensuring MU can actually still catch a bid along that line.

Most important of all, relative strength continues to look stellar in MU. That means that this name continues to outperform the broad market through every price swing. As the S&P starts looking corrective, relative strength is the single most important indicator you can put in your technical toolbox today.

If you buy here, recommend keeping a protective stop just under the 50-day moving average -- that level has been a stellar proxy for support all the way up.

AIG

Things have been looking a whole lot less interesting in global insurance giant AIG (AIG). This $73 billion financial firm is a whopping 1.3% higher than it was six months ago, drastically underperforming the S&P's 11% rise over that same period. But that sideways slug is exactly what makes AIG tradable now.

>>3 Huge Stocks on Traders' Radars

AIG is forming a rectangle pattern, a price setup that's formed by a pair of horizontal resistance and support levels that basically "box in" shares. For AIG, the levels to watch are $52 and $47. A breakout through the top of the pattern at $52 is the buy signal in AIG.

Whenever you're looking at any technical price pattern, it's critical to think in terms of buyers and sellers. Rectangles and other price pattern names are a good quick way to explain what's going on in this stock, but they're not the reason it's tradable. Instead, it all comes down to supply and demand for shares.

That resistance line at $52, for example, is a price where there's an excess of supply of shares; in other words, it's a place where sellers have been more eager to take recent gains and sell their shares than buyers have been to buy. That's what makes the move above it so significant -- a breakout indicates that buyers are finally strong enough to absorb all of the excess supply above that price level. When $52 gets taken out, AIG becomes a high-probability buy.

Apple

It's been a while since we looked at Apple (AAPL). Sshares of the tech giant have been moving lower for the last couple of months, down more than 4% since the calendar flipped over to January. Even though Apple's recent price action hasn't looked particularly auspicious, on closer inspection this chart looks ready to flash a buy signal.

>>5 Rocket Stocks Ready for Blastoff This Week

Apple is currently forming an inverse head and shoulders pattern, a bullish setup that indicates exhaustion among sellers. The pattern is formed by two swing lows that bottom out around the same level (the shoulders), separated by a deeper low (the head). A breakout above the neckline is the buy signal; AAPL's neckline is right at $540. That means we could see a breakout signal in the next few sessions.

The fact that Apple's neckline is sloping lower means that the upside target is lower than a more textbook trade would offer. Resistance at $570 (the dashed line on the chart) looks like the next price objective when and if the breakout happens. Investors looking for an early-warning sign should keep an eye on momentum, measured by 14-day RSI. Our momentum gauge is testing a long-term downtrend. If RSI breaks out, expect price to follow suit.

Time Warner

There's a similar setup in play this week with shares of entertainment stock Time Warner (TWX). Time Warner is forming an inverse head and shoulders with a flatter neckline at $69. Right now shares are forming their right shoulder, but even if that textbook pattern doesn't get completed, the trading implications are just the same: a breakout above that $69 level is the signal that shares are buyable.

A push through the neckline in TWX puts this stock's upside target at $77, an 11.5% move. When that buy signal comes, I'd recommend keeping a protective stop at the 50-day moving average. It's a decent approximation for this stock's shoulder level.

To see this week's trades in action, check out the Must-See Charts portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Jonas Elmerraji in Baltimore.

RELATED LINKS:

>>5 Utility Trades That Could Charge Your 2014 Gains

>>3 Stocks Under $10 Making Big Moves

>>4 Big Stocks Getting Big Attention

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author was long AAPL.

Jonas Elmerraji, CMT, is a senior market analyst at Agora Financial in Baltimore and a contributor to

TheStreet. Before that, he managed a portfolio of stocks for an investment advisory returned 15% in 2008. He has been featured in Forbes , Investor's Business Daily, and on CNBC.com. Jonas holds a degree in financial economics from UMBC and the Chartered Market Technician designation.

Follow Jonas on Twitter @JonasElmerraji

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Invest In 2015

Things may not be all that rosy for Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) these days, but at least it knows that it can count on its growing loyal audience to show up for new product introductions.

In this video, longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz explores the real problem with BlackBerry's (NASDAQ: BBRY  ) 2.7 million Z10 and Q10 devices sold during their debut quarter by comparing the 3% adoption rate to Apple's better-than-10% adoption rate when the iPhone 5 came out. There seemed like a flattering nugget out of BlackBerry from its previous conference call in March, but in the context of last week's carnage, it's not pretty.

The thinking investor's mobile play
The mobile revolution is still in its infancy, but with so many different companies it can be daunting to know how to profit in the space. Fortunately, The Motley Fool has released a free report on mobile named "The Next Trillion-Dollar Revolution" that tells you how. The report describes why this seismic shift will dwarf any other technology revolution seen before it and also names the company at the forefront of the trend. You can access this report today by clicking here -- it's free.

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Invest In 2015: Broadcom Corporation(BRCM)

Broadcom Corporation designs and develops semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. It provides a portfolio of system-on-a-chip (SoC) and software solutions for the manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices, which enable the delivery of voice, video, data, and multimedia content to the home, office, and mobile environment. Its broadband communications products include cable modem SoCs; femtocell SoCs; MPEG/AVC/VC-1 encoders and transcoders; xDSL, passive optical network, and cable modem customer premises equipment and central office solutions; powerline networking SoCs; digital cable, direct broadcast satellite, terrestrial, and Internet protocol (IP) set-top box integrated receiver demodulators; high definition television and standard definition TV SoCs; and Blu-ray disc SoCs. The company?s mobile and wireless products comprise Wi-Fi and Bluetooth SoCs, wireless connectivity com bo chips, global positioning system SoCs, multimedia processors, applications processors, power management units, VoIP SoCs, mobile TV SoCs, and near field communications tags. Its infrastructure and networking products include Ethernet copper transceivers, Ethernet controllers and switches, backplane and optical front-end physical layer devices, security processors and adapters, and broadband processors. The company markets and sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and manufacturers? representatives in the United States, as well as through regional offices, and a network of independent distributors and representatives in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ashraf Eassa]

  Finally, it will be an uphill battle for Intel to compete with Qualcomm on the modem side of things, although recent hiring and R&D increases suggest that Intel is making a serious effort. It is not clear if the "Merrifield" platform will ship with an LTE-Advanced modem (which both Broadcom (BRCM) and Qualcomm will be shipping in this timeframe). I am expecting a highly integrated part known as "6331" during 2014, which will put the modem on the same die as the apps processor, although it is clear that Intel's modem efforts have significantly lagged its apps processor efforts significantly thus far. I also expect that Intel will need to fill out its portfolio with low power WiFi connectivity as consuming the majority of the bill of materials in this space will be key to driving high margin revenue growth. This can likely be developed in-house by leveraging existing WiFi IP, although I would not be surprised to see further acquisitions.

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  Broadcom provides wireless and wired semiconductor technologies to businesses and consumers worldwide. A recent earnings release has investors disappointed with the company. The stock has struggled in recent years and is currently trading near lows for the year. Over the last four quarters, earnings have decreased while revenues have increased, which has left investors to expect more from the company. Relative to its peers and sector, Broadcom has been a weak year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what Broadcom does this coming quarter.

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Global semi-conductor solutions provider Broadcom (BRCM) raised its quarterly dividend 9.1% to 12 cents per share, payable on Mar. 3 to shareholder of record as of Feb. 14.
  BRCM Dividend Yield: 1.59%

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Still, TI has some promising ideas for growth. General Electric (NYSE: GE  ) is seeking to develop an industrial Internet that would connect users with a wide variety of sensor-enabled products, ranging from big industrial machinery like train locomotives and aircraft to basic household appliances and other consumer goods. GE aims to profit from the data that the network would provide, but both TI and rival Broadcom (NASDAQ: BRCM  ) have built chips to allow devices to communicate via Wi-Fi. Given that Broadcom continues to emphasize its position within the mobile-device market, it may choose to cede the lower-potential opportunity from an Internet of things to TI.

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Invest In 2015: Helen of Troy Limited(HELE)

Helen of Troy Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, import, marketing, and distribution of brand-name consumer products primarily in the United States and Canada, as well as in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. It operates in three segments: Personal Care, Housewares, and Healthcare/Home Environment. The Personal Care segment offers hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, hair setters, shavers, mirrors, hot air brushes, home hair clippers and trimmers, paraffin baths, massage cushions, footbaths, body massagers, brushes, combs, hair accessories, liquid and aerosol hair styling products, men?s fragrances, men?s and women?s antiperspirants and deodorants, liquid and bar soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, foot powder, body powder, and skin care products. The Housewares segment provides kitchen tools, cutlery, bar and wine accessories, household cleaning tools, food storage containers, tea kettles, trash cans, storage an d organization products, hand tools, gardening tools, kitchen mitts and trivets, barbeque tools, and rechargeable lighting products, as well as baby and toddler care products, including convertible high chair. The Healthcare/Home Environment segment offers humidifiers, de-humidifiers, vaporizers, thermometers, air purifiers, fans, portable heaters, heating pads, and electronic mosquito traps. The company sells its products primarily through mass merchandisers, drugstore chains, warehouse clubs, home improvement stores, catalogs, grocery stores, specialty stores, beauty supply retailers, e-commerce retailers, wholesalers, and various types of distributors, as well as directly online to end user consumers. Helen of Troy Limited was founded in 1968 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Advisors' Opinion:

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

  Helen of Troy Ltd.(HELE) said it expects to buy back about $246 million of its shares through a Dutch auction tender offer that allowed the personal-care company to repurchase up to $300 million in stock. The company, whose products include OXO kitchen tools and Brut After Shave, said it expects to acquire about 3.7 million shares at $66.50 a share, the high end of its offering range.

• [By Canadian Value]

  NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sachem Head Capital Management today sent a letter to the Board of Directors of leading consumer goods company Helen of Troy Limited (HELE). In the letter, Sachem Head outlines its belief that Helen of Troy shares are materially undervalued, highlighting the Board's apparent unwillingness to respond to recent inquiries regarding potential strategic combinations, and recommending actions for the Board of Directors to undertake to maximize value for the shareholders, including a thorough and legitimate review of strategic alternatives.

5 Best Financial Stocks To Own Right Now: Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp (SBS)

Companhia de Saneamento B sico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP provides water and sewage services to residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in the State of Sao Paulo. Its services comprise water supply, sanitary sewage services, urban rainwater management and drainage services, urban cleaning services, and solid waste management services, as well as related activities, including the planning, operation, maintenance, and commercialization of energy. As of December 31, 2010, it provided water services through 7.3 million water connections to approximately 23.6 million people; and sewage services through 5.7 million sewage connections to approximately 20 million people. The company was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Carlton Delfeld]

  Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (SBS) is commonly called SABESP. I like the stock for three reasons:

  First, the company has plenty of room to grow in Sao Paulo, other regions in Brazil, and even in neighboring countries. Sao Paulo has a population over 40 million and represents 30% of Brazil's total economic output.

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Invest In 2015: NK Lukoil OAO (LKOH)

NK Lukoil OAO (Neftyanaya Kompaniya LUKOIL OAO or NK LUKOIL OJSC) is a Russia-based integrated oil and gas company. The Company is engaged in the business of oil exploration, production, refining, marketing and distribution. It is an owner of refineries, gas processing, petrochemical plants and gas stations network located in Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, as well as Africa. The Company�� petroleum products are sold in the Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia and the United States. NK Lukoil OAO operates through numerous subsidiaries and affiliated companies. In April 2013, the Company acquired a 100% of Samara-Nafta ZAO and completed acquisition of CJSC Kama-Oil. In June 2013, it sold a 99.57% stake in Lukoil Odes'kyi NPZ PAT. The Company�� major shareholder is NKO ZAO NRD with a stake of 91.60%. In December 2013, it consolidated a 100% stake in ISAB Srl. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Julia Leite]

  Brazil�� Ibovespa (IBOV) fell to a six-week low, while the real slid to its weakest level in four years, spurring central bank intervention. Housing Development Finance Corp. drove India�� S&P BSE Sensex down, while the rupee completed its worst month in a year. OAO Lukoil (LKOH), Russia�� second-largest oil producer, slipped 2.3 percent as crude slumped.

• [By Rajhkumar K Shaaw]

  Russian stocks rose as oil, the nation�� main export earner, climbed. OAO Lukoil (LKOH) gained for the first time this week. Benchmark gauges in Hungary and Turkey also advanced. Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS, the Turkish carmaker part-owned by Fiat SpA, climbed for a second day on bets plans to roll out a new vehicle will boost revenue from exports.

• [By Maria Levitov]

  Russia�� Micex Index extended a five-day drop to 3.4 percent, led by OAO Lukoil (LKOH) and OAO Gazprom. Ukraine�� dollar-denominated bonds gained, sending yields to the lowest this week, as President Viktor Yanukovych announced possible investments from China. The PX Index slid to a seven-week low in Prague as Vienna Insurance Group AG plunged 4.2 percent.

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Invest In 2015: Caribou Coffee Company Inc.(CBOU)

Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. owns and operates coffeehouses. The company offers premium coffee and espresso-based beverages, as well as specialty teas, handcrafted beverages, foods, coffee lifestyle items, branded merchandise, and related products. It also sells whole bean and ground coffee to grocery stores, mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, college campuses, and online customers. In addition, the company sells blended coffees and licenses its Caribou Coffee brand to Keurig, Inc. for sale and use in its K-Cup single serve line of business. Further, Caribou Coffee Company franchises its brand to partners to operate Caribou Coffee branded kiosks and coffeehouses, as well as sells Caribou Coffee branded products to partners for resale in these franchised locations. As of July 3, 2011, it operated 407 company-owned coffeehouses located in 16 states and the District of Columbia; and 147 franchised coffeehouses in th e United States and international markets. The company was founded in 1992 and is based in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon] ou Coffee is a gourmet coffee company that owns the second-largest number of coffeehouses in the U.S. After rising significantly in the second quarter of 2011, its stock price dropped in the fourth quarter, when Joel Greenblatt purchased it. He bought 52,794 shares at an average price of $13.27.

  The company has increased revenue and EBITDA almost every year since 2005, reaching $284 million and $22.4 million, respectively, in 2010. Its return on equity and return on assets also turned positive in 2009 and increased in 2010; return on assets increased from 10.1 percent in 2009 to 15 percent in 2010, and return on assets increased 6 percent to 9.2 percent in 2010. Free cash flow, which Greenblatt typically considers highly important, has been positive only two years since 2005, in 2008 and 2009.

  Cofeehouse sales have increased for the last eight quarters, including 4.1 percent in the quarter ended Oct. 2, 2011. Much of the company�� sales growth has come because it has begun selling food.

  The outlook for Caribou�� growth is also positive. Daily coffee consumption increased to 40 percent of 18-24 year olds in 2011 from 31 percent of the age group in 2010, returning to its 2009 level, according to the National Coffee Drinking Study from the National Coffee Association. Caribou recently began growing as well. In the third quarter of 2011, it opened three company-owned stores, its first in over three years, and in the fourth quarter, it opened five more. For 2012, it plans to open 55 to 70 new locations and issued fiscal year 2012 net sales growth guidance of 10 percent.

  Caribou�� P/E, P/S and P/B ratios:

  CBOU pe,ps,pb Interactive Chart

  See Joel Greenblatt�� portfolio here and also check out the Undervalued Stocks, Top Growth Companies, and High Yield stocks of Joel Greenblatt.

3 out of 4 Millennials Can't Answer These 5 Simple Financial Questions: Can You?

NEW YORK (MainStreet) Maybe Millennials should be asking for a refund on those student loans. Less than one-quarter (24%) of young adults can correctly answer four or five questions in a simple five-question quiz covering financial basics. And among the freshest crop of young adults -- those aged 18 to 26 -- only 18% were able to answer four or five questions correctly.

A new study by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation reveals a startling lack of awareness for financial fundamentals that could further frustrate a generation that has faced unemployment and a dismal economy since entering the workforce.

"Many Millennials began their adult lives in the midst of the worst economic downturn in generations, and our survey reveals just how deeply and broadly the Great Recession has marked the financial lives of this generation of Americans," says FINRA Foundation President Gerri Walsh. "Unfortunately, far too many Millennials trying to cope with these economic conditions have low levels of financial literacy and are wrestling with concerns about their debt."

However, the study also revealed that despite the greater financial strain that Millennials face, they express levels of financial satisfaction that are similar to Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. The survey was conducted online, sampling 25,509 American adults (approximately 500 per state, plus D.C.), over a four-month period, July to October 2012, weighted by age, gender, ethnicity and education. Here are the five survey questions: Suppose you have $100 in a savings account earning 2% interest a year. After five years, how much would you have? More than $102, Exactly $102, Less than $102, Don't Know Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account is 1% a year and inflation is 2% a year. After one year, would the money in the account buy more than it does today, exactly the same or less than today? More, Same, Less, Don't Know If interest rates rise, what will typically happen to bond prices? Rise, fall, stay the same, or is there no relationship? Rise, Fall, Stay the same, No relationship, Don't Know True or false: A 15-year mortgage typically requires higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage but the total interest over the life of the loan will be less. True, False, Don't Know True or false: Buying a single company's stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund. True, False, Don't Know You can take the online quiz here and compare your score to the national and your state's average. --Written by Hal M. Bundrick for MainStreet,/p>

Japan stocks move lower after weak economic data

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks slipped early Monday, with the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) down 0.1% at 14,298.17, and the Topix dropping 0.4%. Singapore-traded lead futures for the Nikkei Average had suggested a 0.8% gain for the index, but the indicator fell after the Cabinet Office reported fourth-quarter economic growth of 0.3%, flat from the previous quarter and below expectations in separate Reuters and Wall Street Journal/Nikkei surveys. The disappointing economic data also pushed the yen higher, weighing on some exporters, with Panasonic Corp. (JP:6752) (PCRFF) down 1.8%, NEC Corp. (JP:6701) (NIPNF) off 1.3%, and Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) down 0.7% after S&P downgraded the firm's credit rating to BBB- from BBB with a negative outlook. Shares of Internet retailer Rakuten Inc. (JP:4755) (RKUNF) dropped 12% after announcing plans to buy online messaging and telecom firm Viber Media Inc. for $900 million as well as posting below-consensus full-year profit. Banks were broadly lower, with Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (JP:8411) (MFG) off 1% and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (JP:8316) (SMFG) off 1.1%, though Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (JP:8601) (DSECF) added 0.6% after Friday gains on Wall Street. Also on the rise, Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd. (JP:2587) added 2.5% after posting forecast-beating earnings.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now

With shares of Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) trading around $22, is INTC an OUTPERFORM, WAIT AND SEE or STAY AWAY? Let�� analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:

T = Trends for a Stock’s Movement

Intel designs and manufactures integrated digital technology platforms, including microprocessors and chipsets. The company sells these platforms primarily to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and industrial and communications equipment manufacturers in the computing and communications industries. Intel�� platforms are used in a range of applications such as personal computers, data centers, tablets, smartphones, automobiles, automated factory systems, and medical devices.

The company also develops and sells software and services primarily focused on security and technology integration. Microprocessors, chipsets, and software products and services are at the root of most technological progress. A bellwether and main provider like Intel will see rising demand and increased market share, as it is the only viable option for a growing consumer base and expanding companies worldwide.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Juniper Networks Inc (JNPR)

Juniper Networks, Inc. (Juniper Networks), incorporated on September 10, 1996, designs, develops, and sells products and services that together provide its customers with network infrastructure. It operates in two segments: Infrastructure and Service Layer Technologies (SLT). The Company�� Infrastructure segment primarily offers routing and switching products that are used to control and direct network traffic from the core, through the edge, aggregation, and the customer premise equipment level. Infrastructure products include its Internet protocol (IP) routing, carrier Ethernet routing portfolio, and Ethernet switching portfolio. In addition, the Infrastructure segment offers a complete wireless local area network (WLAN) solution. Its SLT segment offers solutions that meet a range of its customers' priorities, from protecting the users, applications and data on the network itself to providing network services across a distributed infrastructure. Effective September 13, 2013, Juniper Networks, Inc. acquired Contrail Networks Inc.

Brilliant is a supplier of packet-based, network synchronization equipment and monitoring solutions. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company introduced its network architecture and fabric technology for the data center, QFabric. It serves the high-performance networking requirements of global service providers, enterprises, and public sector organizations. The Company�� open cross-network software platform includes the Junos operating system (Junos OS), Junos Space network application platform, and Junos Pulse integrated network client. The Company offers a product portfolio that spans routing, switching, security, application access, and mobility device security.

Infrastructure Products

The Company�� T Series core routers are primarily designed for core IP infrastructures and are also being sold into the multi-service environment. Its PTX Series is a large capacity (8 and 16 tera-bits per second) MPLS-optimized packe! t transport switch for the core networks, of content service providers and Tier 1 service providers, with high throughout of packet traffic. The Company�� E Series products are a full featured platform designed for the network edge with support for carrier-class routing, broadband subscriber management services, and a set of IP services. The MX Series is a product family developed to address emerging Ethernet network architectures and services in service provider and enterprise networks. The Company�� EX Series family extends its product portfolio running its Junos OS to address the Ethernet switch market. Ethernet is a used technology, which is used to transport information in enterprise networks. Infrastructure Products also includes QFabric Products and WLAN product.

SLT Products

SLT Products include Services Gateway, Integrated Firewall, and VPN Solutions, Secure Access Appliances, Secure Access Appliances, IDP Series Appliances and Identity and Policy Control Solutions. The Company�� SRX Series of dynamic services gateways, running its Junos software, provides firewall/VPN and combines routing, switching, and security functionality. The series is designed to meet network and security requirements for data center consolidation, rapid managed services deployments, and aggregation of security services. Its firewall and VPN systems and appliances are designed to provide integrated firewall, VPN, and denial of service protection capabilities for both enterprise environments and service provider network infrastructures. These products range from its SSG product series, which combines LAN/WAN routing capabilities with threat management features, such as antivirus, anti-spam, and Web filtering technologies, to its ISG and NetScreen Series firewall and VPN systems, which are designed to deliver security in medium/large enterprises, carrier networks, and data centers.

The Company�� Junos Pulse, Junos Pulse Mobile Security Suite, and SA Series SSL VPN appliances,! designed! for use in companies of all sizes, are used to provide secure access to corporate resources for remote and mobile users from any Web-enabled device, regardless of location. Its portfolio of identity and policy control solutions integrates subscriber privileges, application requirements, and business policies with the IP network infrastructure.

The Company competes with Cisco Systems, Inc. (Cisco), Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (Brocade), Extreme Networks, Inc., Hewlett Packard Company (HP), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei), Check Point Software Technologies, F5 Networks, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc., and Riverbed Technology, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Dzombak]

  The only Dow stock up today
  Today's Dow leader is Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO  ) , up 0.7% to $24.52. Cisco is gaining alongside competitor Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR  ) after Juniper's CEO said he sees a trend of rising spending in the sector. Cisco was the third-biggest Dow gainer last week and the second-biggest Dow gainer in May. The stock has been on a tear since beating earnings estimates last month, rising nearly 16% since it reported on May 16. Since then Cisco has announced a small bolt-on acquisition.

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE: JNPR) managed to hit another annual high of $28.75, and closed on Friday up just over 6.5% at $27.72. That 38 million shares stands out heavily as well, considering that the average volume is almost 9 million share per day. Juniper also saw at least three key analyst upgrades as well. Having 59% quarterly profit growth is not the norm in this market, and Jana Capital is actively pressing the company to do better in managing costs and returning capital to holders. Juniper has about $4 billion in cash and liquidity (versus what is now a $14 billion market cap), yet it pays no dividend. Our quick calculation of a 25% payout of adjusted operating earnings ahead would yield a dividend of about 1.4% without Juniper eating into its huge treasure chest already on the books.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Nokia Oyj (NOK1V)

Nokia Oyj is a Finland-based company engaged in the manufacture of mobile devices and networks. It operates three business segments. Devices & Services segment is divided into two areas, Smart Devices, focused on Nokia�� advanced products, such as smart phones, product development and marketing; and Mobile Phones, active in the area of mass market entry and feature phones, affordable smart phones, services, and applications. It also includes net sale of spare parts. Location & Commerce (HERE) segment develops location-based products and services for consumers, as well as platform services and local commerce services for the Group. Additionally, it provides content and map data to NAVTEQ�� customers. Nokia Siemens Networks segment provides a portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, and professional services, such as consultancy, systems integration, deployment and maintenance. In August 2013, it acquired Siemens AG's whole stake in Nokia Siemens Networks. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tom Stoukas]

  Alcatel Lucent SA (ALU) jumped 6.3 percent to 2.69 euros. Nokia Oyj (NOK1V), which is set to become a manufacturer focusing on wireless networks after the sale of its handset business, is evaluating a linkup with the French company, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

• [By Adam Ewing]

  A sale would provide the shareholders with cash, while potentially strengthening DNA against larger rivals Elisa Oyj (ELI1V) and TeliaSonera AB. (TLSN) The IPO could be the biggest in Finland, home of Nokia Oyj (NOK1V) and ��ngry Birds��maker Rovio Entertainment Oy, since 2005.

• [By Caroline Chen]

  Activist funds generally acquire equity stakes in companies and try to force management and boards to make changes that boost share prices and investor returns. New York-based Third Point was founded by Loeb and this year disclosed stakes in companies including Sony, Nokia Oyj (NOK1V) and Sotheby��.

Best Growth Stocks To Invest In Right Now: ADT Corp (ADT)

The ADT Corporation (ADT), incorporated on January 18, 2012, is a provider of electronic security, interactive home and business automation, and monitoring services for residences and small businesses in the United States and Canada. The Company�� products and services include ADT Pulse interactive home and business solutions, and home health services. ADT provides business security intrusion detection, which protect the business from burglary, robbery and intruders. Its electronic access control limits unauthorized entry and employee access to the business, as well as complete access. Effective August 2, 2013, The ADT Corp acquired Devcon Security Services Corp, a provider of security protection services, from Devcon International Corp. In November 2013, Kastle Systems International announced that it had acquired Mutual Central Alarm Services and Stat-Land Security Systems from ADT Corporation.

The Company's video surveillance views events in multiple areas of facility, which has control over loss and oversees business. On October 1, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Absolute Security.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  Not surprisingly, investors and the financial press immediately began trying to identify Ackman's most likely targets. By Tuesday, two names were getting most of the attention: FedEx and security firm ADT (NYSE: ADT  ) . Both seemed to fit most of the criteria Ackman identified.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: WiLan Inc (WILN)

WiLAN Inc. (WiLAN), incorporated on May 14, 1992, is a licensing company. WiLAN develops, acquires, and licenses a range of intellectual property that drives products in communications and consumer electronics markets. Through both internal research and development and acquisitions from third parties, the Company has acquired intellectual property in the form of patents and patent applications in many countries that it has licensed to more than 255 companies in telecommunications markets around the world. As of December 31, 2011, WiLAN had a portfolio of approximately 3,000 patents, including issued and pending patents and foreign equivalents. WiLAN has five directly wholly-owned subsidiaries, Wi-LAN Capital Inc. (WiLAN Capital), Wi-LAN International Inc. (WiLAN International), Wi-LAN International Hong Kong Inc. (WiLAN Hong Kong), Wi-LAN International Japan Inc. (WiLAN Japan) and Wi-LAN International Taiwan Inc. In July 2012, it acquired a global portfolio of more than 40 patents and applications from Siemens AG related to telecommunication network management and mobile multimedia. In October 2012, the Company acquired a global portfolio of more than 150 patents and patent applications from Alvarion Ltd. In June 2013, WiLan Inc acquired a portfolio of patents from Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. In November 2013, the Company acquired a portfolio of semiconductor patents from IXYS CH GmbH related to microcontroller technology.

In the Company's licensing business, the Company has signed licenses with companies that sell products utilizing technologies, including CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access-a cellular telecommunications specification); Wi-Fi (the underlying technology of wireless local area networks based on various IEEE 802.11 specifications); WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access-a standards-based broadband wireless technology that provides metropolitan area network connectivity based on IEEE 802.16 specifications); LTE (Long Term Evolution-high performance air! interface for cellular mobile communication systems designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile telephone networks), and ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line-a standards-based access technology that provides broadband Internet access over twisted pair telecommunications wiring). The Company has also signed licenses with companies that sell products utilizing technologies, including DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications-a standards-based access technology that provides broadband Internet access over cable networks); Bluetooth (a wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances between fixed and mobile devices), and V-Chip (a technology that permits the blocking of television programs at a receiver (such as a television, multi-media equipped personal computer or set-top box) by viewers based on ratings information carried on the television signal).

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Often accused of being a patent troll,�non-performing entity�WiLAN� (NASDAQ: WILN  ) wrangled a settlement out of Dell (NASDAQ: DELL  ) with details of the deal remaining confidential.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Houston Wire & Cable Co (HWCC)

Houston Wire & Cable Company, incorporated in 1997, provides wire and cable and related services to the United States market. The Company offers its customers with a single-source solution for wire and cable, hardware and related services. The Company offers products in categories of wire and cable, including continuous and interlocked armor cable, control and power cable, electronic wire and cable, flexible and portable cords, instrumentation and thermocouple cable, lead and high temperature cable, medium voltage cable, premise and category wire and cable, wire rope and wire rope slings, as well as nylon slings, chain, shackles and other related hardware. It also offers private branded products, including its brand LifeGuard, a low-smoke, zero-halogen cable. On January 1, 2011, the acquired companies were merged into HWC Wire & Cable Company.

The Company�� products are used in repair and replacement, also known as maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and related projects, larger-scale projects in the utility, industrial and infrastructure markets and a diverse range of industrial applications, including communications, energy, engineering and construction, general manufacturing, mining, construction, oilfield services, infrastructure, petrochemical, transportation, utility, wastewater treatment, marine construction and marine transportation. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company served approximately 6,000 customers.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [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 Houston Wire & Cable (Nasdaq: HWCC  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Fabrinet (FN)

Fabrinet, incorporated on August 12, 1999, provides optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical and electronic manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of complex products, such as optical communication components, modules and sub-systems, industrial lasers and sensors. The Company offers a range of optical and electro-mechanical capabilities across the entire manufacturing processes, including process design and engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, advanced packaging, final assembly and test.

The products that the Company manufactures for its OEM customers includes optical communications devices, such as selective switching products, such as reconfigurable optical add-drop modules (ROADMs), optical amplifiers, modulators and other optical components and modules that collectively enable network managers to route signals through fiber traffic at various wavelengths and over various distances; tunable transponders and transceivers that eliminate the need to stock individual fixed wavelength transponders and transceivers used in voice and data communications networks; and active optical cables providing high-speed interconnect capabilities for data centers and computing clusters, as well as Infiniband, Ethernet, fiber channel and optical backplane connectivity.

Solid state, diode-pumped, gas and fiber lasers (industrial lasers) used across a array of industries, including semiconductor processing (wafer inspection, wafer dicing, wafer scribing), biotechnology (DNA sequencing, flow cytometry, hematology, antibody detection), metrology (instrumentation, calibration, inspection), and material processing (photo processing, textile cutting, annealing, marking, engraving); and sensors, including differential pressure, micro-gyro, fuel and other sensors that are used in automobiles, and non-contact temperature measurement sensors for the medical industry. The Company also designs and fabricates application-specific crystals, pri! sms, mirrors, laser components and substrates (customized optics) and other custom and standard borosilicate, clear fused quartz, and synthetic fused silica glass products (customized glass).

The Company competes with Sanmina-SCI Corporation, Celestica Inc., Venture Corporation Limited, Benchmark Electronics, Inc, Browave Corporation, Fujian Castech Crystals, Inc., Research Electro-Optic, Inc. and Photop Technologies, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Fabrinet (NYSE: FN  ) reported earnings on April 29. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 29 (Q3), Fabrinet beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: ADVA Optical Networking SE (ADV)

ADVA Optical Networking SE is a Germany-based company that develops, manufactures and sells optical and Ethernet-based networking solutions to telecommunications carriers and enterprises to deploy, manage and deliver data storage, voice and video services in metropolitan areas. Its optical transmission solutions are based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology. Its Ethernet-optimized transmission solutions for fiber- or copper-based lines are used to provide access for enterprises into a carrier's network. Its systems are used by telecommunications services providers, companies, universities and government agencies worldwide. It sells its product portfolio both directly and through an international network of distribution partners. Its optical and Ethernet-based network solutions have been deployed by more than 250 carriers and more than 10,000 enterprises. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had 13 wholly owned subsidiaries across Europe, Asia, North and Latin America. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Adrian Day]

  Adrian Day: Yes, yes, I like the concept of looking up the secondary plays. I mean, you know we own Altius (ALS) for example, rather than Alderon (ADV). Altius owns 30% of Alderon, that is more diversified, has a better balance sheet. If Alderon succeeds, Atius will succeed.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  We re-established an investment in CME Group, Inc. (CME) during the period. CME is the largest and most diversified derivatives marketplace in the U.S. Its exchanges support trading across a variety of asset classes, including interest rates, equity indexes, energy, agricultural commodities, foreign exchange and metals. We believe CME has the opportunity to significantly accelerate its growth rates due to the eventual normalization of interest rates and the attendant interest rate volatility. CME's interest rate trading volumes (ADV) have been depressed as a result of the Fed's zero interest rate policy and low interest rate volatility. For example, interest rate ADV was 4.8 million in 2012compared to 7.1 million in 2007, before the financial crisis. However, given the Fed's recent policy statements (discussed above), market participants are starting to anticipate an end to quantitative easing (QE). On May 30, CME experienced record volume for interest rate derivatives with ADV of 19.4 million. With the globalization of CME's business, a host of new products, and the regulatory requirement for interest rate swaps to be cleared on an exchange, we believe CME's interest rate volumes can surpass their prior peak, significantly driving earnings growth for the company.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Revolution Lighting Technologies Inc (RVLT)

Revolution Lighting Technologies Inc., incorporated on December 16, 1993, designs, manufacture, market and sells commercial grade, light emitting diode (LED) replacement light bulbs and LED-based signage, channel letter and contour lighting products. The Company sells these products under the Seesmart, Array Lighting and Lumificient brand names. The Company operates in two segments: LED replacement lamps and fixtures and LED signage and lighting strips. On December 20, 2012, the Company acquired Seesmart Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Simi Valley, California. In August 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Relume Technologies (Relume). In October 2013, the Company announced that it has acquired a portfolio of general illumination LED lighting products, including several product lines from CMG Energy Solutions (CMG). In November 2013, the Company acquired Tri-State LED.

The Company�� LED replacement lamps and fixtures segment include the Seesmart business and the Array business, which has been integrated with the Seesmart business. The LED signage and lighting strips segment is comprised of the Lumificient business.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Without making too much fuss over a small-cap stock, Revolution Lighting Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: RVLT) is seeing its share price rise by nearly 25% today after reporting results this Friday morning. Yahoo! Finance does not have any estimates for the company, but Revolution posted an operating loss of $3.1 million in the quarter, more than four times worse than its loss in the same period in 2012. Even with adjustments Revolution�� operating loss totaled $1.8 million.

• [By Stock Investor]

  First up we have Revolution Lighting Technologies, Inc (RVLT). As of last week RVLT had a market cap of $280m. Revenues for the last year came in at $4.4m. The company is averaging a cash burn of approximately $7m per quarter over the last two quarters. If I give the company the benefit of the doubt and assume the $7.5m of investments they made last quarter was a one time event, the cash burn then drops to under $4m per quarter. In March RVLT raised $5m from the issuance of shares priced at $1.17. The company is still in need of additional financing, and with the stock price up 400% in the last three months, it would be wise for them to issue shares right now. This increases the risk for investors dramatically right now.

• [By Rich Smith]

  As you've probably heard by now, shares of LED lighting specialist Revolution Lighting� (NASDAQ: RVLT  ) popped by nearly 18% in Monday trading. But why?

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO)

Cisco Systems, Inc., incorporated on December 10, 1984, designs, manufactures, and sells Internet protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology (IT) industry and provide services associated with these products and their use. The Company provides a line of products for transporting data, voice, and video within buildings, across campuses, and around the world. Its products are designed to transform how people connect, communicate, and collaborate. Its products are installed at enterprise businesses, public institutions, telecommunications companies, commercial businesses, and personal residences. The Company has five segments: United States and Canada, European Markets, Emerging Markets, Asia Pacific, and Japan. The Emerging Markets theater consists of Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. In July 30, 2012, it acquired NDS Group Ltd. In October 2012, it acquired virtual networking company, vCider. In August 2011, the Company acquired Versly. In November 2011, it acquired BNI Video. In March 2012, the Company acquired Lightwire, Inc. In May 2012, the Company acquired ClearAccess. In December 2012, the Company acquired Cloupia. In December 2012, the Company acquired Cariden Technologies Inc. In December 2012, the Company acquired Meraki, Inc.

The Company�� product offerings fall into three categories: its core technologies, routing and switching; advanced technologies, and other products. In addition to its product offerings, the Company provides a range of service offerings, technical support services and advanced services. The advanced services program supports networking devices, applications, solutions, and complete infrastructures.

Routing

The Company offers a range of routers, from core network infrastructure for service providers and enterprises to access routers for branch offices and for telecommuters and consumers at ho! me. Key products within its routing category are the Cisco ASR 901/903, Cisco 1000, 5000, and 9000 Cisco Aggregation Services Routers (ASR), as well as the Cisco ASR 800, 1900, 2900 and 3900 Cisco Integrated Services Routers (ISR):; Cisco CRS-1, 7600 and Cisco CRS-3 Cisco Carrier Routing Systems (CRS). During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 (fiscal 2010), Cisco introduced the Cisco CRS-3 Carrier Routing System (CRS-3) and Cisco 7600 Series Routers.

Service Provider Video

The Company�� end-to-end, digital video distribution systems and digital interactive set-top boxes enable service providers and content originators to deliver entertainment, information, and communication services to consumers and businesses around the world. Key product areas within its Service Provider Video category are: Set-Top Boxes, IP set-top boxes (both High-Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD)); Digital cable set-top boxes (both HD and SD); Cable Modem CPE (Data, EMTA, and Gateways); Videoscape Software Products and Headend Equipment (Encoders, Decoders, and Transcoders).

Switching

The Company�� switching products offer many forms of connectivity to end users, workstations, IP phones, access points, and servers, and also function as aggregators on local-area networks (LANs), metropolitan-area networks (MANs), and wide-area networks (WANs). Its switching systems employ several widely used technologies, including Ethernet, Power over Ethernet, Fibre Channel over Ethernet, Packet over Synchronous Optical Network, and Multiprotocol Label Switching. Many of its switches are designed to support an integrated set of advanced services, allowing organizations to be more efficient by using one switch for multiple networking functions rather than multiple switches to accomplish the same functions.

Cisco offers a family of Ethernet switching solutions from fixed-configuration switches for small and medium-sized businesses to modular switches for enterprise! s and ser! vice providers. Its fixed-configuration switches are designed to provide a foundation for converged data, voice, and video services. Key products within its switching category are the Cisco Catalyst 2960, 3560, 3750, 4500 and 6500 Series; the Cisco Nexus 2000, 3000, 5000 and 7000 Series switches; and MDS Series: MDS 9000.

Fixed-configuration switches are designed to cover a range of deployments in small and medium-sized businesses. It fixed-configuration switches are designed to provide a foundation for converged data, voice, and video services. They range from small, standalone switches to stackable models that function as a single, scalable switching unit. Modular switches are typically utilized by enterprise and service provider customers. Fixed-configuration and modular switches also include products such as optics modules which are shared across multiple product platforms.

NGN Routing

Routing technology is fundamental to the Internet, and this technology interconnects public and private IP networks for mobile, data, voice, and video applications. The Company's NGN Routing products are designed to enhance the intelligence, security, reliability, scalability, and level of performance in the transmission of information and media-rich applications. It offers a broad range of routers, from core network infrastructure and mobile Internet network for service providers and enterprises to access routers for branch offices and for telecommuters and consumers at home. Key product areas within its NGN Routing category are, Cisco Aggregation Services Routers: Cisco ASR 901/903, Cisco ASR 1000, Cisco ASR 5000 and Cisco ASR 9000. Cisco Integrated Services Routers: Cisco ISR 800, Cisco ISR 1900, Cisco ISR 2900 and Cisco ISR 3900. Cisco Carrier Routing Systems: Cisco CRS-1, Cisco CRS-3 and Cisco 7600 Series Routers.

Security

Cisco security solutions deliver identity, network and content security solutions designed to enable customers to reduce the ! impact of! threats and realize the benefits of a mobile, collaborative, and cloud-enabled business. The products in this category span firewall, intrusion prevention, remote access, virtual private networks (VPNs), unified clients, network admission control, Web gateways, and email gateways. Its AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client solution enables users to access networks with their mobile device of choice, including laptops and smartphone-based mobile devices, while allowing organizations to manage the security risks of networks. Its cloud-based Web security service is designed to provide real-time threat protection and to prevent malware from reaching corporate networks, including roaming or mobile users. It focuses on a proactive, layered approach to counter both existing and emerging security threats. During the fiscal year ended July 28, 2012, it introduced the Cisco ASA 5500-X Series Midrange Security Appliance, Cisco Security Manager 4.3, the IPS 4500 Series, and Prime Security Manager.

Wireless

The Cisco Unified Wireless Network aims to harness the network to solve business problems, uniting high-performance wireless access across campus, branch, remote and outdoor environments. Its offerings include wireless access points (including the Cisco Aironet product family), controllers, antennas, and integrated management. The Company�� offerings provide users with simplified management and mobile device troubleshooting features which are designed to reduce operational cost and maximize flexibility and reliability. It is also investing in custom chipsets to deliver functions such as CleanAir proactive spectrum intelligence, ClientLink acceleration for mobile devices and VideoStream multicast optimization technology.

Data Center

The Company�� data center product category has been its major product category for the past two fiscal years. Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and Server Access Virtualization form the core of the Data Center product category.! Key prod! uct areas within its Data Center product category are: Cisco UCS B-Series Blade Servers, Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers and Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects.

Other Products

The Company�� other products category primarily consists of Linksys home networking products, certain emerging technologies, and other networking products. In addition to its product offerings, it provide a range of service offerings, including technical support services and advanced services.

The Company competes with Alcatel-Lucent; ARRIS Group, Inc.; Aruba Networks, Inc.; Avaya Inc.; Belden Inc.; Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.; Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.; Citrix Systems, Inc.; D-Link Corporation; LM Ericsson Telephone Company; Extreme Networks, Inc.; F5 Networks, Inc.; Force10 Networks, Inc.; Fortinet, Inc.; Hewlett-Packard Company; Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.; International Business Machines Corporation; Juniper Networks, Inc.; LogMeIn, Inc.; Meru Networks, Inc.; Microsoft Corporation; Motorola, Inc.; NETGEAR, Inc.; Polycom, Inc.; Riverbed Technology, Inc.; and Symantec Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Ferry]

  GE also announced a partnership with Intel (NASDAQ: INTC  ) , which will be providing the sensors that give GE the critical ground-level data on how well machines are functioning. An ongoing relationship with Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO  ) will be deepened, giving GE customers access to the impressive data processing and analysis powers of Cisco.

• [By Lee Jackson]

  Despite the fact that Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) actually reported revenues in line with street expectations last week, the network giant guided fiscal first quarter 2014 below the consensus of $12.45 billion. Management was cautious in guidance even after a the book-to-bill ratio was over 1. Given Cisco�� tempered outlook, more cautious tone and heightened expectations throughout the supply chain (with valuations to match), the technology analysts at Oppenheimer look for semiconductor and component suppliers aligned with Cisco to trade lower. Here are the names that investors need to keep a close eye on.

• [By Dan Burrows]

  The long-term growth forecast stands at less than 3% a year for the next five years or so. Ordinarily, that would make the forward P/E of 14 look like a bit of a stretch, but between the dividend and $10 billion share repurchase program, new money looks to get its money’s worth.

  #7: Cisco (CSCO)

  Dividend Yield: 3.2%
  YTD Performance: +9%

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Motorola Solutions Inc (MSI)

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (Motorola Solutions), incorporated March 9, 1973, provides communication infrastructure, devices, software and services. The Company provides these products and services for enterprise and government customers worldwide. The Company operates in two segments: Government and Enterprise. The Government segment includes sales of public safety communications systems, commercial two-way radio systems and devices, software and services. The Enterprise segment includes sales of rugged and enterprise-grade mobile computers and tablets, laser/imaging/RFID-based data capture products, wireless local area network (WLAN) and integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN) infrastructure, software and services. In January 2014, the Company announced that it has acquired Twisted Pair Solutions, a provider of push-to-talk over broadband applications for secure, real-time communication anywhere, on any device.

Government

The Government segment designs, manufactures, sells, and provides services around voice and data communications systems, devices, security products and applications. These products and services are sold to a range of customers, including government, public safety and first responder agencies, as well as commercial customers who operate private communications networks and manage a mobile workforce.

The Company offer a portfolio of network infrastructure, devices, applications and services, based on Association for Public Safety Communications Officials 25 (APCO), terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA), and digital mobile radio (DMR) standards, as well as broadband technologies (Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and WiFi). Its products and services are sold stand alone, as well as part of an integrated system. In addition, Motorola Solutions offer critical applications in the public safety command center, including voice, computer aided dispatch and multimedia/video. The Company�� service offering includes mobility consulting, system design and installatio! n, network and device management and product support.

The Company competes with Cassidian/EADS, Harris, Hytera, Kenwood, Sepura and Tait.

Enterprise

The Enterprise segment designs, manufactures, sells and provides services around WLAN infrastructure, rugged and enterprise-grade advanced data capture and mobile computing devices, security products and applications. These are sold to a range of enterprise customers, including those in retail and hospitality, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, energy and utilities, education and healthcare. Motorola Solutions offers a portfolio of devices, infrastructure, applications and services, which include rugged and enterprise-grade mobile computers and tablets, laser/imager/RFID based data capture devices and kiosks, WLAN switches/controllers and access points, network and device management software, network and device security software, voice-based devices and software, and systems based iDEN technology.

The Company competes with Apple, Aruba, Bluebird, Cisco, Datalogic, Honeywell, Hewlett Packard, Intermec, Psion, Panasonic and Samsung.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Evan Niu]

  What: Shares of Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI  ) plunged today by as much as 10% after the company reported earnings and provided lackluster guidance.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) is estimated to report its Q3 earnings at $1.02 per share on revenue of $2.13 billion.

  WellPoint (NYSE: WLP) is projected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.82 per share on revenue of $17.62 billion.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Ubiquiti Networks Inc (UBNT)

Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. (Ubiquiti), incorporated on June 24, 2010, is a communications technology Company. designs, manufactures and sells broadband wireless solutions worldwide. The Company offers a portfolio of wireless networking products and solutions, including systems, high performance radios, antennas and management tools, designed for wireless networking and other applications in the unlicensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The Company offers solutions that incorporate its RF technology, antenna design and firmware technologies, which it refers to as AirTechnologies. It offers a portfolio of communications networking products and solutions and it recently introduced products in the video surveillance, wireless backhaul and machine-to-machine communication markets.

The Company�� business is driven by a community of network operators, service providers, distributors, value added resellers (VARs) and system integrators, which it refers to as the Ubiquiti Community. As of June 30, 2013, Ubiquiti�� AirTechnologies included, UBNT, airMAX, UniFi, mFi, EdgeMAX, airVision, airFiber, airOS, NanoStation, airGrid, NanoBridge, and a number of trademark applications and registrations in the United States and other countries. The Company technology enables it to provide end to end wireless networking solutions for network operators and service providers in underserved and underpenetrated markets. It designs its products and solutions using hardware and industry standard chipsets to enable these providers to deliver carrier class wireless broadband access and services to their subscribers.

Enterprise WLAN - UniFi

Unifi hardware utilizes MIMO technology, works with 802.11 standards, and uses a single cable for data transmission and power-over-ethernet. Unlike other enterprise Wi-Fi systems that utilize a hardware Wi-Fi switch, Unifi uses a virtual controller that allows for on-site management or remote management through the cloud. Each UniFi access point a! nd can be managed centrally with the UniFi Controller software. The UniFi Controller enables enterprise WLAN managers to centrally configure and administer a UniFi network and individual access points without any special training and through secure access from any Web browser. The UniFi Controller provides automatic UniFi access point detection, firmware updates, real-time status, map loading and advanced security options.

Video Surveillance - airVision

The H.264 cameras use a single cable for data transmission and power-over-ethernet. AirVision, its management controller software, can be used to manage multiple AirCam H.264 IP cameras as well as manage other digital video recorder devices. AirVision software is available for download at no cost on its Website and only manages Ubiquiti Network camera devices. Similar to its other network management products, airVision can be accessed securely from any Web browser, provides statistical reporting and analytics and provides a management console with camera settings and event recordings.

Machine-To-Machine Communication - mFi

In June 2012, the Company announced mFi, which includes hardware sensors, power devices, and management software that allows devices to be controlled remotely. For example, mFi allows users to manage and monitor their building temperature and power consumption. The management controller software is IP based and can be accessed from any browser locally or through the cloud. MFi software allows management to create rules using if/then statements to control numerous devices.

The Company competes with Motorola, Trango, Cisco Systems, Proxim, Mikrotikls, Senao, Ceragon Networks, DragonWave, Ruckus Wireless, TP-LINK Technologies CO., LTD, Andrew Corporation, PCTEL, Aruba Networks, Inc, Vivotek, Inc., Axis Communications AB , Mobotix Corp, Cambium Networks , SAF Tehnika, EnergyHub, Inc., AlertMe.com Ltd and Radio Waves Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  What: Shares of communications networking technologist Ubiquiti Networks (NASDAQ: UBNT  ) soared 23% today after its quarterly results and outlook topped Wall Street expectations.

• [By Mani]

  Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBNT) shares have been in rally mode, particularly since reporting strong quarterly results in August, gaining 57 percent. Over the past three months, shares have climbed nearly 100 percent versus a 9 percent gain in the NASDAQ.

• [By Tom Bishop]

  The company I have chosen is Ubiquiti (UBNT). By ��ireless networking,��I mean products that deliver carrier-class wireless networking performance for video, voice, and data.

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Ubiquiti Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: UBNT) was given a cautious Neutral rating as well, and it had the least negative bias in Garcha’s call. He said:

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: LifeLock Inc (LOCK)

LifeLock, Inc., incorporated on April 12, 2005, is a provider of proactive identity theft protection services for consumers and identity risk assessment and fraud protection services for enterprises. It operates in two segments: consumer segment and an enterprise segment. In its consumer segment, the Company offer identity theft protection services to consumers on a monthly or annual subscription basis. In its enterprise segment, it offer identity risk assessment and fraud protection services to enterprise customers who pay the Company based on their monthly volume of transactions with it. It protects its consumer subscribers, whom it refers to as its members, by monitoring identity-related events, such as new account openings and credit-related applications. It also provides remediation services to its members in the event that an identity theft actually occurs. On March 14, 2012, the Company acquired ID Analytics, Inc. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Lemon Inc.

Consumer Business

The Company protects its members by proactively monitoring identity-related events, such as new account openings and credit-related applications, which may present a risk of identity theft. If it detects that a member�� personally identifiable information is being used, the Company sends notifications and alerts, including proactive, near real-time, actionable alerts, to the member via text message, phone call, or e-mail through its LifeLock Identity Alert system that allows the member to confirm valid or unauthorized identity use.

Enterprise Business

The Company delivers on-demand identity risk assessment and authentication information about consumers to its enterprise customers in their daily transaction flows. Its enterprise customers utilize this information in real time to authenticate their customers, assess their risk profile, and enhance the enterprise�� decision making process on which to base account opening, le! nding, credit, and other risk-based decisions. By integrating its services into their business processes, its enterprise customers can reduce potential financial losses from identity fraud. Information generated from the transaction flow at its enterprise customers is transmitted back to its data repositories, which continually enhances the LifeLock ecosystem and helps strengthen the services the Company can provide to its customers in the future.

The Company competes with Experian, Equifax, TransUnion, Affinion, Early Warning Systems, Intersections and LexisNexis.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lee Jackson]

  LifeLock Inc. (NYSE: LOCK) is a top small cap name to buy that may hold big gains for investors. The company is a leader in identity-theft protection systems and crushed its recent earnings estimates. Deutsche Bank has an $18 target, and the consensus target is $15.50. A move to the Deutsche Bank target would be a gain of 50% for investors.

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  LifeLock Inc. (NYSE: LOCK) has only been public for about 15 months. It is a high beta stock, trading at 55-times expected trailing earnings and almost 48-times expected 2014 earnings. The driving force here is that identity theft and organized global fraud against consumers is forcing everyone to buy identity protection services. Target was the worst recent news on this front, but there are literally dozens of other companies who have had data breaches on their millions of customers. LifeLock shares hit a new high of $20.83 on Friday and closed up 1.6% at $20.41 on the day. This one is up about 150% from its IPO in late 2012.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  LifeLock (NYSE: LOCK  ) is the leading provider of identity theft monitoring for consumers. This may seem like a finicky model for a subscription service, but LifeLock has come through with 34 consecutive quarters of sequential growth in revenue and members.

• [By John Udovich]

  Yesterday, small cap identity protection stock Lifelock Inc (NYSE: LOCK) surged 15.64% after reporting better-than-expected third quarter earnings thanks in part to playing on the security fears of consumers, meaning its probably time to take a look at it along with two other security stocks, I.D. Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: IDSY) and View Systems Inc (OTCBB: VSYM), which can also play up the fear factor:�

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: FLIR Systems Inc (FLIR)

FLIR Systems, Inc. (FLIR), incorporated on March 8, 1978, is a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of thermal imaging systems. The Company�� advanced sensors and integrated sensor systems enable the gathering and analysis of critical information through a range of applications in commercial, industrial, and government markets worldwide. Its business is organized into two divisions: Commercial Systems and Government Systems. Commercial Systems division includes Thermal Vision & Measurement and Raymarine. Government Systems division include Surveillance, Detection, and Integrated Systems. It offers a range of sensor products, including infrared imaging cameras and systems, detector cores, CBRNE threat detectors, test and measurement instruments, radars, maritime electronics, and related products and solutions. On December 20, 2012, the Company acquired Lorex Technology Inc. In December 2012, the Company acquired Traficon International NV. In August 2013, Tessera Technologies Inc announced that FLIR Systems, Inc. acquired a portion of the assets of Tessera's Micro-Optics business based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Thermal Vision & Measurement

Thermal Vision & Measurement (TVM) products are generally sold for applications where the customer need is to see at night or in adverse conditions or to image a scene while gathering valuable situational and temperature information. The Company�� infrared sensors business, which sells focal plane arrays and camera cores internally, as well as to third parties on an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) basis, is also part of TVM. Its thermal and visible light security products are used to protect critical infrastructure, ports, borders, commercial sites, and residential homes. The Company offers a night vision system for passenger automobiles that provides drivers with the ability to see at night and through obscurants, such as fog, at distances much further and wider than can be seen with traditional headlights. As of December 31, ! 2012, provide camera cores for certain Audi, BMW, and Rolls Royce models through its partnership with Autoliv Electronics, a supplier of automotive safety equipment. The Company offers an integrated suite of maritime electronics that utilizes multifunction displays, infrared cameras, depth sounders, GPS, auto pilots, and advanced command and control software.

The Company is engaged in providing advanced thermal imaging technology for consumer applications. It�� easy to use, affordable, and lightweight personal vision thermal cameras give people the ability to see at night. In the home, its cameras can be used for numerous household and security applications, such as locating heat leaks, evaluating insulation coverage, detecting water damage, identifying intruders, and locating pests. The Company supplies hand-held systems to the law enforcement market. The Company supplies cooled and uncooled camera cores, sensors, and readout integrated circuits on an OEM basis for a range of applications where customers require a product at a lower level of integration than a fully developed thermal imaging system.

In Thermal Measurement Markets thermal imaging systems are used for monitoring the condition of mechanical and electrical equipment. The company�� systems provide the ability to view thermal distribution in real time for products ranging in size from small hybrid integrated circuits to jet engines. Common applications include product development of microelectronics, cell phones, laptop computers, telecommunications equipment, consumer appliances, automotive components, and aircraft engines. Systems used in research and development applications require high imaging performance and measurement precision, coupled with extensive analysis and reporting software. Thermal imaging applications for manufacturing process control include applications where temperature consistency is critical, including monitoring the quality of metal, plastic and glass cast parts, which are highly depend! ent upon ! the temperature distribution in the mold; monitoring the quality of paper, which is dependent upon proper and even moisture distribution during the drying process; and monitoring the quality of products such as rubber gloves, which can be thermally examined to locate abnormally warm or cool spots, indicating non-uniform thickness that may result in a quality defect.

Infrared imagers can detect missing insulation, electrical faults, water intrusion and pest infiltration, can gauge energy efficiency, and can help detect the presence of moisture. Market segments include building diagnostics, energy auditing and home inspection, property and facility management, HVAC and plumbing, and moisture detection and restoration. Specially designed infrared systems can detect and image hydrocarbon gas emissions or leaks. It supplies trade professionals a range of test equipment to deliver high accuracy readings for the measurement of electricity, light, sound, temperature, humidity, airflow, revolutions per minute, and water quality. The Company offers fee-based training on the principles of thermography and the use of its products through ITC, its Infrared Training Center, which provides instruction, training, certification and applications engineering from several FLIR locations or at the customer�� site. It also licenses Infrared Training Centers to third parties in certain countries.

The Company competes with Danaher (Fluke), General Dynamics (Axsys), L-3 Communications, Sofradir (ULIS), Axis Communications, NEC and Testo.

Raymarine

Raymarine is a provider of marine electronics, and continues as a pioneer in the technologies that give boaters confidence on the water. The products that Raymarine develops and markets is intended to fulfill all of the marine electronic needs of recreational boaters and offer best-in-class integrated control solutions for all of their on-board instrumentation. Raymarine designs, develops, and markets electronics for the maritime market a! nd is a p! rovider of fully integrated stem to stern networked electronic systems for boats of many sizes. The business distributes its products through a network of independent distributors and retailers, as well as through its relationships with boat builders, providing both first fitment and aftermarket solutions.

The Company competes with Furuno, Garmin and Navico.

Surveillance

Surveillance focuses on providing enhanced vision and detection capabilities to a range of military, paramilitary, law enforcement, public safety, and other government customers. Its systems typically provide the capability to see over long distances, day or night, through adverse weather conditions, and from a range of vehicle, man portable, and fixed installation platforms. Typical applications include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), force protection, drug interdiction, search and rescue, special operations, and target designation. Surveillance products are sold off-the-shelf or can be customized for specific applications and frequently incorporate additional sensors, including visible light cameras, radars, low light cameras, laser rangefinders, laser illuminators, and laser designators.

Surveillance offers a range of products across multiple applications. For airborne applications, it has developed highly stabilized platforms, known as gimbals, which typically contain multiple payloads in addition to the infrared imaging system, as well as sophisticated software and analytic capabilities. For land applications, it manufactures three types of products: hand-held products, platform mounted products, and targeting products. Platform mounted surveillance systems include imaging and radar solutions, which are typically housed in a weather-tight enclosure and feature remote control capabilities and multi-sensor integration capability. Hand-held products are ruggedized and have optional lenses and target location capabilities. Ground-based targeting products are designed t! o attach ! to existing daylight sights to provide bore-sighted, nighttime capabilities. For maritime applications, it manufacture shipborne products which are similar to its airborne gimbals, but are inverted and customized for the marine environment.

In Search and Rescue market thermal imaging systems are used in airborne nd shipborne search and rescue missions to rescue individuals in danger or distress on boats or vehicles, or wounded or lost in adverse conditions. Such systems are in use by organizations such as the United States Army, United States Coast Guard, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Air National Guard, and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense. In Border and Maritime Patrol market thermal imaging systems are used in airborne, shipborne, hand-held and fixed installation applications for border and maritime surveillance, particularly at night, to enforce borders and coastal waters, to monitor national fishing boundaries and to prevent smuggling. Its cameras are deployed along numerous borders worldwide, including in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. In Surveillance and Reconnaissance market Thermal imaging systems are used in surveillance and reconnaissance applications for the precise positioning of objects or people from substantial distances and for enhanced situational awareness, particularly at night or in conditions of reduced or obscured visibility. It also offers high-resolution frequency-modulated continuous wave radars that enable wide-area surveillance capable of detecting potential threats before they cross a perimeter. These systems can be installed on fixed platforms, manned mobile platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Company supplies airborne thermal imaging systems for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Agencies with this type of equipment have the ability to track suspects, locate lost persons, and provide situational awareness to officers on the ground. It offers several products that provide precise t! arget loc! ation and designation capabilities in applications ranging from clip-on rifle scope devices to high-precision, stabilized, airborne laser designator systems. Thermal imaging systems enable government agencies to expand their drug interdiction and support activities by allowing greater surveillance and detection capabilities. The Company�� systems are in use by the United States Customs Service, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as by foreign government agencies.

The Company competes with BAE Systems, DRS (a Finmeccanica company), Elbit Systems, General Dynamics, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Sagem, Sofradir, and Thales.

Detection

The Company�� Detection segment provides capabilities in the development of advanced sensor technologies used to detect and identify CBRNE threats. The Detection segment is focused on developing technologies and products to penetrate a global market for advanced threat detection capabilities. Detection manufactures and markets the portable explosive detector, the smallest spectroscopic radiation detector, and the smallest hand-held Raman sensor.

The Company offer both indoor and outdoor biological air monitors that are used by various governmental agencies, including the United States Department of Defense, airport authorities, and the National Park Service, for layered security at facilities and events. Its explosives detection products are used to identify military-grade explosives and homemade explosive devices in a range of military and public safety applications, such as screening high-risk individuals at checkpoints, identifying improvised explosive device (IED) makers, and screening air passengers and baggage. Its radiation products protect the public by warning of radionuclide exposure and have been or are being used by the U.S. Department of Energy�� Nuclear Emergency Search Team, the New York Police Department, the Internat! ional Ato! mic Energy Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the United Kingdom�� Home Office Border and Immigration Agency.

The Company competes with Agilent Technologies, Canberra Industries, Idaho Technologies, NUCSAFE, SAIC, Smiths Detection, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and United Technologies.

Integrated Systems

Integrated Systems develops platform solutions for combating sophisticated security threats and incorporates multiple sensor systems in order to deliver actionable intelligence for wide area surveillance, intrusion detection, border security, and facility security. Integrated Systems incorporates advanced sensors from both the FLIR product suite and external vendors in order to design and manufacture adaptive and effective force protection, homeland security, and commercial solutions that are designed to save lives and protect critical assets. Integrated Systems utilizes an array of sensor technologies, such as radars, thermal imaging and visible light cameras, chemical detectors, radiation detectors, and command and control systems, provided by its other segments as well as from external parties, to create high value solutions for customers across the world.

Integrated Systems manufactures and markets several accurate mobile and fixed solutions for perimeter surveillance. The Cerberus mobile unmanned towers and manned SkyWatch towers are utilized for protecting borders, securing facilities, protecting forces, and safeguarding the public. These tower systems can be deployed in almost any environment and are fully networkable platform solutions that integrate various sensor suites, including infrared thermal or visible light cameras, ground surveillance radar, video motion detection, and unattended ground sensors. In addition, Integrated Systems offers open-source software that enables customers to command, control, and monitor their sensor networks. Cohesion is a flexible integration software enabling CBRNE sensors to be incorporated into standard command! and cont! rol software systems and is specifically designed to support or integrate with its or third-party advanced sensors and devices. Cameleon video integration software allows for advanced monitoring and control of video surveillance camera networks.

The Company competes with Boeing, Cobham, Honeywell, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Raytheon, SAIC, Telephonics, and Thales.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Wallace Witkowski]

  Some of the companies most dependent on government for revenue are Harris Corp. (HRS) �with 80% of revenue government-derived; Granite Construction Inc. (GVA) �with 58%; Flir Systems Inc. (FLIR) �with 54%; and Waste Management Inc. (WM) � and Republic Services Inc. (RSG) �both with 50%, according to Goldman Sachs.

• [By Rich Smith]

  The Department of Defense issued $312.5 million worth of new contract awards Monday. Notable winners included subsidiaries of two major defense contractors, FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR  ) and General Dynamics (NYSE: GD  ) .

• [By Alex Planes]

  What: Shares of FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR  ) have steadily risen throughout the day, and are now sitting on gains of nearly 11% as of this writing, after reporting earnings this morning that primarily showed strength on the top line.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Nokia Oyj (NOK)

Nokia Corporation (Nokia) has three operating segments: Devices & Services; NAVTEQ, and Nokia Siemens Networks. Devices & Services is responsible for developing and managing the Company�� portfolio of mobile products, as well as designing and developing services, including applications and content. NAVTEQ is a provider of digital map information and related location-based content and services for mobile navigation devices, automotive navigation systems, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. Nokia Siemens Networks provides mobile and fixed network infrastructure, communications and networks service platforms, as well as professional services and business solutions, to operators and service providers. In April 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of Novarra, Inc. and MetaCarta Inc. In September 2010, Nokia acquired Motally, Inc. In December 2010, Renesas Electronics Corporation acquired Nokia�� Wireless Modem business. In August 2012, the Company sold a portfolio consisting of over 500 patents and patent applications worldwide to Vringo Inc.

Mobile Phones

Nokia produces a range of mobile phones based on the Series 30 and Series 40 operating systems. These products have voice capability, basic messaging and calendar features, and, increasingly, color displays, radios, basic cameras and Bluetooth functionality. Series 30-based mobile phones do not provide Internet connectivity, access to Ovi or offer opportunities for application development by third parties. During 2010, its portfolio of Series 30-based mobile phones included the Nokia 1616, equipped with a long-lasting anti-dust keypad, frequency modulation (FM) radio, a flashlight, and a display that makes viewing information on the small screen easier. Its Series 40 operating system powers the mobile phone models and supports more functionalities and applications, such as Internet connectivity and access to its services.

Series 40 is open to third-party developers! to build Java and Adobe Flash Lite applications and content, which they can make available through the Ovi Store. It combines a touchscreen and a traditional phone keypad, is equipped with a five megapixel camera, quad-band for voice calling and third generation (3G), high speed packet access (HSPA) and wireless fidelity (WiFi) connectivity for data in a bushed aluminum finish. Other additions to the Company�� portfolio included the Nokia C3 Touch & Type, a stainless steel device, which also combines the touch screen and traditional phone keypad, and the Nokia 2690, memory card slot, and which gives access to Ovi Mail and features an FM radio and video graphics array (VGA) camera. It is also incorporating some of the software features and related services popular in its smartphones into the Series 40-based mobile phones. These include the new Ovi Web browser, which is based on the browser technology. It also offers Ovi Mail, a free e-mail service designed for users in emerging markets with Internet-enabled devices.

Smartphones

Nokia�� smartphones are based on the Symbian operating system, which supports an array of functionalities and provides opportunities for the development of applications and content by third parties. During 2010, Nokia also offered a product built on the Linux-based Maemo operating system. The Company makes smartphones for a range of consumer groups, offering Internet access, entertainment, location-based and other services, applications and content. With smartphones, its product categories include music players, cameras, pocketable computers, gaming consoles and navigation devices.

During 2010, the Company introduced a family of smartphones based on a new generation of the Symbian operating system. These were the Nokia N8, a smartphone crafted from anodized aluminum and available in a range of colors, and which offers imaging, video and entertainment capabilities; the Nokia C7, a sleek, full-touch smartphone crafted from stainless stee! l and gla! ss that is designed to appeal to social networkers; the Nokia C6-01, a smaller, full-touch smartphone that features Nokia ClearBlack display technology for outdoor visibility; and the Nokia E7, a business smartphone equipped with a full keyboard and 4-inch touchscreen display also featuring Nokia ClearBlack technology.

During 2010, the Company introduced a number of models based on the Symbian operating system, including the Nokia C6-00, a messaging-optimized smartphone with a 3.2-inch high definition (HD) touchscreen display, a slide out four-row QWERTY keyboard and a five megapixel camera; and the Nokia E5, a messaging-optimized QWERTY smartphone that builds on the Nokia E71 and Nokia E72. The Company also manufactures and sells luxury mobile devices under the Vertu brand. Vertu has more than 600 points of sale globally, including more than 90 Vertu boutiques, in almost 70 countries worldwide.

NAVTEQ

NAVTEQ Corporation (NAVTEQ) offers context and geographical services through Ovi Maps to a range of location-based services, such as pedestrian navigation, traffic and public transport information, local services and city guides, integration with social networks and contextual advertising. In January 2010, Nokia introduced a new version of Ovi Maps for its smartphones, which includes navigation to the user, and it is using NAVTEQ�� digital map information and related location-based content in this offering. This new version of Ovi Maps includes car and pedestrian navigation features, such as turn-by-turn voice guidance. During 2010, the Company�� NAVTEQ launched its new advanced mapping collection technology, NAVTEQ True. During 2010, its NAVTEQ launched Natural Guidance, a product to enable guidance in a human manner through the use of descriptive reference cues.

NAVTEQ�� map database enables the Company�� customers to offer navigation, route planning, location-based services and other geographic information-based products and services to con! sumer and! commercial users. NAVTEQ provides its database to mobile device and handset manufacturers, automobile manufacturers and dealers, navigation systems manufacturers, software developers, Internet portals, parcel and overnight delivery services companies and governmental and quasi- governmental entities, among others. The products and services incorporating NAVTEQ map data include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Dynamic navigation, Route planning, Location-based services and Geographic information systems. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are in-vehicle applications that require geographic data, such as curve, slope, speed limits and highly detailed geometry. Dynamic navigation is real-time, detailed turn-by-turn route guidance, which can be provided to end-users through vehicle navigation systems, as well as through Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled handheld navigation devices, and other mobile devices.

Route planning consists of driving directions, route optimization and map display through services provided by Internet portals and through computer software for personal and commercial use. Location-based services include location-specific information services, providing information about people and places that is tailored to the proximity of the specific user. The applications using NAVTEQ�� map database include points of interest locators, mobile directory assistance services, emergency response systems and vehicle-based telematics services. Geographic information systems render geographic representations of information and assets for management analysis and decision making. In addition, NAVTEQ has a traffic and logistics data collection network in which it processes traffic incident and event information, along with traffic flow data collected through its network of roadside sensors and from GPS data records from Nokia devices and other NAVTEQ customers, in order to provide detailed traffic information to radio and television stations, in-vehicle and mobile navigation systems! , Interne! t sites and mobile device users.

NAVTEQ�� map database is a representation of road transportation networks in Europe, North America, Australia, Asia and other regions around the world. This database offers geographic coverage, including data at various levels of detail for 84 countries on six continents, covering more than 19 million miles of roadway worldwide. The most detailed coverage includes road, route and related travel information, including attributes collected by road segment that are essential for routing and navigation, such as road classifications, details regarding ramps, road barriers, sign information, street names and addresses and traffic rules and regulations. In addition, the database includes over 50 million points of interest, such as airports, hotels, restaurants, retailers, civic offices and cultural sites.

Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks has three business units: network systems; global services; and business solutions. Nokia Siemens Networks is jointly owned by Nokia and Siemens. Nokia Siemens Networks is a provider of telecommunications infrastructure hardware, software and professional services globally. Nokia Siemens Networks��customers include network operators, such as Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telecom, France Telecom, Telefonica O2 and Vodafone, as well as service providers, such as Unitech and XO Communications. Nokia Siemens Networks has a products and services portfolio designed to address the needs of communication service providers. Nokia Siemens Networks provides its products and services to more than 600 communication service providers in over 150 countries and has systems serving in excess of 1.5 billion subscribers.

Network systems offers communication service providers both fixed and mobile network infrastructure, including Nokia Siemens Networks��Flexi Multiradio base stations, a software defined radio supporting global system for mobile (GSM), 3G and LTE radio technologies, packet product! s, optica! l transport systems and broadband access equipment. For wireless networks, Network Systems develops and manufactures GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA radio access networks for network operators. It also develops products, such as I-HSPA and new technologies, such as LTE to support the uptake of mobile data services. For fixed line networks, Network Systems focuses on transport networks. Network Systems provides the fundamental elements for high-speed transmission through optical and microwave networks, including packet-oriented technologies, such as Carrier Ethernet and traditional protocols, such as time-division multiplexing (TDM).

Global services business unit offers network operators a range of professional services, including network planning and optimization, the management of network operations and the care and maintenance of software and hardware, and a range of network implementation and turnkey solutions. As of December 31, 2010, 180 million global subscribers were managed througt Nokia Siemens Networks��global delivery hubs. Global services consists of three businesses, which include managed services, which offers network planning and optimization and the management of network operations, with the market share position in India, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa; care, which offers software and hardware maintenance, proactive and multi-vendor care and competence development services, dealing with one million global hardware service transactions, and network implementation, which offers project management and turnkey implementations and energy efficient sites, remotely activating a site every two minutes, 365 days per year.

Business solutions offers products to communication service providers for business and operations support systems and customer experience management, such as charging and billing software, service management software and subscriber database management, and products that enable enhancement and delivery of services across multiple networks and d! evices an! d convergent service control and network security, together with services related to consulting, product implementation, support and care, systems integration and managed services. Business solutions offer products for five areas, as well as services relating to consulting, product implementation, support and care, systems integration and managed services includes business support systems; operations support systems; customer experience management; service enablement and delivery, and converged service control.

The Company competes with Google, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Apple, Tele Atlas, CISCO, NEC and Motorola.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rebecca McClay]

  First, Nokia Corp. (NYSE ADR: NOK) is holding substantial gains of about 35% on Microsoft Corp.'s (Nasdaq: MSFT) plan to acquire its cell phone business for more than $7 billion. The purchase includes most of Nokia's devices, including smartphones, as well as its services unit with mapping services and licenses for patents. MSFT is down about 6% on the news.

• [By Rex Moore and Andrew Tonner]

  The much-hyped Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone will be available in the U.S. beginning this week with some carriers. In this multipart series, Fool analysts Rex Moore and Andrew Tonner talk about what the launch means in the marketplace. Today, the guys discuss whether Nokia (NYSE: NOK  ) still has what it takes to compete with Samsung and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) .