A leading investment-adviser organization raised concerns about regulatory examinations being conducted by private-sector firms instead of the Securities and Exchange Commission in a letter to the SEC member who is championing the change.
In speeches and public appearances over the last month, SEC Commissioner Daniel Gallagher has recommended the SEC write a rule that would require advisers to hire an examiner to review their operations. The measure would be similar to one the agency adopted in 2009 that mandates that advisers who maintain custody of client assets bring in an auditor to verify the funds are safe.
Third-party exams would allow the SEC to reach more advisers, according to Mr. Gallagher. The agency says it has the resources only to examine annually about 9% of the approximately 11,000 registered investment advisers.
Hot International Companies For 2015: Powershares Dynamic Large Cap Value Portfolio (PWV)
The PowerShares Dynamic Large Cap Value Portfolio is based on the Dynamic Large Cap Value Intellidex Index. The Fund focuses on providing capital appreciation while maintaining consistent and stylistically accurate exposure.
The Style Intellidexes apply a rigorous ten factor style isolation process to objectively segregate companies into their appropriate investment style and size universe. PowerShares Capital Management LLC is the investment advisor to the Fund.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jim Lowell]
PowerShares Dynamic Large Cap Value (PWV) seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Dynamic Large Cap Value Intellidex Index, which seeks to provide capital appreciation while maintaining large cap value exposure.
Top 10 Sliver Companies To Watch For 2014: Mueller Industries Inc (MLI)
Mueller Industries, Inc., incorporated on October 03, 1990, is a manufacturer of copper, brass, plastic, and aluminum products. The Company�� products include copper tube and fittings; brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; plastic pipe, fittings and valves; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabricated tubular products; and steel nipples. The Company also resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets and plumbing specialty products. Mueller�� operations are located throughout the United States and in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, and China. The Company has two segments: the Plumbing & Refrigeration segment and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) segment. The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment is composed of the Standard Products Division (SPD), European Operations, and Mexican Operations. The OEM segment is composed of the Industrial Products Division (IPD), Engineered Products Division (EPD), and Jiangsu Mueller-Xingrong Copper Industries Limited (Mueller-Xingrong), the Company�� Chinese joint venture. On August 16, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the stock of Westermeyer Industries, Inc. (Westermeyer), located in Bluffs, Illinois. Westermeyer designs, manufactures, and distributes high-pressure components and accessories for the air-conditioning and refrigeration markets. In October 2013, Commercial Metals Company completed the sale of Howell Metal Company, to Mueller Copper Tube Products, Inc., a subsidiary of Mueller Industries, Inc.
Plumbing & Refrigeration segment
SPD manufactures and sells copper tube, copper and plastic fittings, plastic pipe, and valves in North America and sources products for import distribution in North America. European Operations manufacture copper tube in Europe, which is sold in Europe and the Middle East; activities also include import distribution in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Mexican Operations consist of pi! pe nipple manufacturing and import distribution businesses, including product lines of malleable iron fittings and other plumbing specialties. The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment sells products to wholesalers in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and refrigeration markets, to distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, and to building material retailers.
Mueller�� Plumbing & Refrigeration segment includes SPD, which manufactures a line of copper tube, in sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to eight inch diameter, which are sold in various straight lengths and coils. Mueller is in the air-conditioning and refrigeration service tube markets. In addition, Mueller supplies a variety of water tube in straight lengths and coils used for plumbing applications in virtually every type of construction project. SPD also manufactures copper and plastic fittings and related components for the plumbing and heating industry that are used in water distribution systems, heating systems, air-conditioning, and refrigeration applications, and drainage, waste, and vent systems. SPD�� products are used in the domestic residential and commercial construction markets. The Plumbing & Refrigeration segment also fabricates steel pipe nipples and resells imported brass and plastic plumbing valves, malleable iron fittings, faucets, and plumbing specialty products to plumbing wholesalers, distributors to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries and building materials retailers.
The Company competes with Cerro Flow Products, Inc., Cambridge-Lee Industries LLC , Wolverine Tube, Inc., KobeWieland Copper Products LLC, Howell Metal Company, Elkhart Products Company, NIBCO, Inc. and Charlotte Pipe & Foundry.
OEM segment
The OEM segment manufactures and sells brass and copper alloy rod, bar, and shapes; aluminum and brass forgings; aluminum and copper impact extrusions; refrigeration valves and fittings; fabr! icated tu! bular products, and gas valves and assemblies. Mueller-Xingrong manufactures engineered copper tube primarily for air-conditioning applications. The products are sold primarily to OEMs located in China. The OEM segment sells its products primarily to original equipment manufacturers, many of which are in the HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration markets.
Mueller�� OEM segment includes IPD, which manufactures brass rod, nonferrous forgings, and impact extrusions that are sold primarily to OEMs in the plumbing, refrigeration, fluid power, and automotive industries, as well as to other manufacturers and distributors. The Company extrudes brass, bronze and copper alloy rod in sizes ranging from 3/8 inches to four inches in diameter. These alloys are used in applications that require a high degree of machinability, wear and corrosion resistance, as well as electrical conductivity. IPD also manufactures brass and aluminum forgings, which are used in a variety of products, including automotive components, brass fittings, industrial machinery, valve bodies, gear blanks, and computer hardware. IPD also serves the automotive, military ordnance, aerospace, and general manufacturing industries with cold-formed aluminum and copper impact extrusions. The OEM segment also includes EPD, which manufactures and fabricates valves and custom OEM products for refrigeration and air-conditioning, gas appliance, and barbecue grill applications. In addition, EPD manufactures shaped and formed tube, produced to tight tolerances, for baseboard heating, appliances, and medical instruments.
The Company competes with Chase Brass and Copper Company.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sean Williams]
Mueller? ...Mueller?
Although quality value stocks can be as elusive as Ferris Bueller on his day off, investors would be wise to add Mueller Industries (NYSE: MLI ) , provider of�copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products, to their watchlists. - [By Ben Levisohn]
The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has dropped 5.2% so far this year, while Mueller Industries (MLI), which has plunged 55%, Medidata Solutions (MDSO), which has plummeted 44%, Financial Engines (FNGN), which has slid 42%, and Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS), which has tumbled 42%, are the index’s biggest losers.
- [By Seth Jayson]
Mueller Industries (NYSE: MLI ) reported earnings on July 23. Here are the numbers you need to know.
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 29 (Q2), Mueller Industries met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.
Top 10 Sliver Companies To Watch For 2014: Verizon Communications Inc.(VZ)
Verizon Communications Inc. provides communication services. The company operates through two segments, Domestic Wireless and Wireline. The Domestic Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data services; and sells equipment in the United States. The Wireline segment provides voice, Internet access, broadband video and data, Internet protocol network, network access, long distance, and other services in the United States and internationally. The company serves consumer, business, and government customers, as well as carriers. As of December 31, 2010, its network covered a population of approximately 292 million and provided service to a customer base of approximately 94.1 million. The company was formerly known as Bell Atlantic Corporation and changed its name to Verizon Communications Inc. in June 2000. Verizon Communications Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Divine]
Alas, the 2.7% spike in Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ ) shares today didn't stem from falling unemployment claims. The surge instead followed new details in Verizon's attempt to buy the remaining 45% of its Verizon Wireless stake from U.K.-based Vodafone. Apparently, Verizon's bid is getting closer to being final by the day; one feasible scenario has Verizon buying Vodafone's 45% stake for a $100 billion, 50-50 mix of cash and stock.�
- [By Jonas Elmerraji]
Communications giant Verizon (VZ) is the league leader in just about every business it operates: The firm boasts the biggest landline network in the country, the biggest wireless network in the country, and arguably the fastest residential broadband solution in the country in FiOS. That collection of services is key for one very big reason: Verizon's cross-selling opportunities are massive.
Capital allocation hasn't been a problem for VZ. The firm has massive (and growing) infrastructure, and expansion and upkeep come with some serious costs. Verizon has done a good job of reducing its total debt by selling off non-core businesses, leaving more cash available to pay for current operations -- and for dividends. For many consumers, Verizon is synonymous with wireless. The firm's mobile phone arm provides service to around 100 million customers across the U.S., but unlike top rival AT&T (T), VZ only owns 55% of its cellular business.
And while it works to convince its minority partner to sell their stake, VZ is sitting on a whole lot of balance sheet liquidity. That leaves room for the firm to reward patient shareholders with a dividend hike. Right now, VZ pays a 51.5-cent quarterly dividend that adds up to a 4.24% yield. Shareholders could see a raise happen this fall.
- [By John Maxfield]
In terms of individual stocks, Verizon (NYSE: VZ ) is among the best-performing stocks on the Dow. Fellow Fool Doug Ehrman recently discussed how the company's investment strategy -- centered around "bringing broadcast capabilities to wireless" -- is disrupting the cable industry. If the telecommunications giant succeeds in these endeavors, it stands to profit tremendously.
- [By Oliver Pursche]
Overnight central-bank intervention by the People's Bank of China helped reverse a spike in yields, easing market concerns and reversing some early trading losses in Asian markets. U.S. equity futures are pointing to a higher open, as investors await key earnings reports from the likes of Verizon (VZ) , IBM (IBM) , Lockheed Martin (LMT) and McDonald�� (MCD) �this week. Market participants will also be focused on key economic data being released later this week, including Thursday's existing-home sales and home-prices reports, and PMI data.
Top 10 Sliver Companies To Watch For 2014: Ressources Minieres Radisson Inc (RDS)
Ressources Minieres Radisson Inc., formerly Radisson Mining Resources Inc., is in the process of exploring mining properties. The Company has portfolio of four properties, covering a total area of 2,946 hectares. Three of these properties are located in Quebec and one in Ontario. The Company owns a 100% interest in O��rien 576-hectare property. The Company also owns 100% interest in Kewagama 111.7-hectare property. The Company�� O��rien/Kewagama project is located in the Cadillac-Malartic area, within the Abitibi gold belt. It consists of 36 claims covering an area of 729 hectares. The O��rien/Kewagama project lies approximately five kilometer west of Agnico-Eagle�� Lapa gold mine, also centred on the Cadillac Break, and approximately four kilometer southwest of Agnico-Eagle�� Laronde mine, over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in depth. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jim Jubak]
The latest news to make me wonder if the stock has hit a bottom came out in an interview that the CEO of Royal Dutch Shell (RDS) gave to the Financial Times yesterday, April 1. CEO Ben Van Beurden said that in an effort to make a profit in the company�� North American operations, the company had launched ��roject Mosaic��to cut costs in its North American shale operations, by sourcing more equipment from cheaper Asian suppliers.
Top 10 Sliver Companies To Watch For 2014: Legacy Oil + Gas Inc (LEGPF.PK)
Legacy Oil + Gas Inc. (Legacy) is engaged in exploration, exploitation and development drilling for oil and natural gas reserves. Legacy's wholly owned subsidiary, Legacy Oil & Gas ND, Inc., holds properties and operates in the State of North Dakota. Its Southeast Saskatchewan properties are located in an area ranging from approximately 130 to 290 kilometers southeast of the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Legacy has an average working interest of approximately 75% in 24,576 gross (18,647 net) acres of undeveloped land at Taylorton. It has an average working interest of approximately 70% in 32,959 gross (22,938 net) acres of undeveloped land in the Viewfield Bakken play with properties at Stoughton, Heward and Star Valley. On January 1, 2011, it amalgamated with its wholly owned subsidiaries Legacy VRI Ltd. and Legacy TV Ltd. In April 2013, it closed the acquisition of Villanova Oil Corp. (Villanova) and the acquisition of light oil assets. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Value Digger]
To open up new Cardium opportunities, Manitok is also expanding to the Southern Alberta Foothills, where it plans to drill the first well of the farm-in with Legacy Oil & Gas (LEGPF.PK) before year end. Legacy Oil has a 99% average working interest in the Farm-in Lands prior to Manitok earning. Manitok will pay 100% of the cost to drill, complete and equip one horizontal Cardium oil well in order to earn 70% of Legacy's working interest, in a small block of land within the Farm-in Lands. If Manitok drills, completes and equips 3 horizontal Cardium oil wells at 100% of the cost, it will earn the entire 70% of working interest in Legacy's Farm-in Lands.
Top 10 Sliver Companies To Watch For 2014: Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. (ENDP)
Endo Health Solutions Inc. provides specialty healthcare solutions in the United States and internationally. The company�s Endo Pharmaceuticals segment offers branded prescription products, including Lidoderm, Opana ER, Percocet, Voltaren Gel, Frova, Supprelin LA, Vantas, Valstar, and Fortesta Gel for pain, urology, endocrinology, and oncology. Its Qualitest segment provides non-branded generic products in the pain management, urology, central nervous system disorders, immunosuppression, oncology, women�s health, and hypertension markets. The company�s AMS segment offers various technology solutions comprising AMS 700 MS series, AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter, GreenLight XPS laser system, Elevate transvaginal pelvic floor repair system, and Monarc subfascial hammock products in the areas of men�s and women�s health, and BPH therapy. Its HealthTronics segment provides urological services, such as lithotripsy, prostate treatment, anatomical pathology, and electron ic medical record services to urologists, hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics; and manufactures, sells, and maintains medical devices for tissue and tumor ablation. The company�s products under development primarily include Aveed, an injectable testosterone preparation to treat male hypogonadism; BEMA Buprenorphine, a transmucosal form of buprenorphine in Phase III trials for treating moderate to severe chronic pain; ODM-201, an androgen receptor antagonist in Phase II clinical testing to treat castrate resistant prostate cancer; and EN3342, a polyurethane implant in Phase I/II trials for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It serves pharmacy chains directly; and hospitals, governmental agencies, pharmacies, and physicians through wholesale drug distributors. The company was formerly known as Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. and changed its name to Endo Health Solutions Inc. in May 2012. Endo Health Solutions Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquart ered in Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sean Williams]
If there were ever any advice I'd wish to impart to the management at Endo Health Solutions' (NASDAQ: ENDP ) subsidiary Endo Pharmaceuticals, it would be that sometimes it's better to walk away than keep fighting a losing battle.
- [By John Kell]
Endo Health Solutions Inc.(ENDP) said its fourth-quarter loss widened after the drug maker warned of a significant writedown and high litigation expenses earlier this month. Revenue missed expectations, and the company also gave a weak 2014 earnings outlook. Shares edged 4% to $78.95 premarket.
- [By Dan Caplinger]
Warner Chilcott may even turn the tables and decide to be an acquirer. Rumors that the company might be involved in a potential bid for Endo Health Solutions (NASDAQ: ENDP ) back in February haven't panned out, but an acquisition could help the company bolster its pipeline. At the same time, though, its current debt load could make a buyout difficult from a financial perspective.
Top 10 Sliver Companies To Watch For 2014: Compuware Corporation(CPWR)
Compuware Corporation provides software and Web performance solutions, professional services, and application services in the United States, Europe, and Africa. The company?s software products consist of Mainframe, Vantage, Changepoint, and Uniface product lines. Its Mainframe product line includes File-AID, Xpediter, Hiperstation, Abend-AID, and Strobe used for application analysis, testing, defect detection and remediation, fault management, file and data management, data compliance, and application performance management in the IBM z/OS environment. The company?s Vantage products provide an end-to-end approach for managing application performance by combining end user experience monitoring, business service management, and application performance monitoring; Changepoint products are management and professional services automation solutions that address the needs of executives in technology companies, enterprise IT, and professional service organizations; and Uniface i s an application development environment for building, renewing, and integrating the enterprise applications. It also offers Web application performance management services, which are marketed under the Gomez brand name, are used by enterprises to test and monitor their Web and mobile applications while in development and after deployment. In addition, the company provides professional services, such as implementation, consulting, and training services, as well as various IT services for mainframe, distributed, and mobile environments; and application services, which are marketed under the Covisint brand name that offers SaaS platform providing industry-specific solutions for organizations in the automotive, healthcare, and energy markets, as well as provides support services. The company serves IT departments of various commercial and government organizations. Compuware Corporation was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Eisen and Saumya Vaishampayan]
Shares of Compuware Corp. (CPWR) �climbed 1.9%. The Financial Times reported that private equity investors were considering making a bid for the software company, citing anonymous sources.
- [By Seth Jayson]
Compuware (Nasdaq: CPWR ) reported earnings on May 21. Here are the numbers you need to know.
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q4), Compuware met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share. - [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 Compuware (Nasdaq: CPWR ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.
No comments:
Post a Comment