Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Canadian Solar (NASDAQ: CSIQ ) were flaring up today, falling as much as 14% after the company found itself implicated in an SEC fraud investigation.
So what: Though called Canadian Solar, the company has several subsidiaries in China, where many companies have been implicated in fraud in recent years. Last night, an SEC official said during a hearing that the accounting firm Deloitte had refused to turn over audit records from a 2010 probe. The hearing is expected to last several months, and centers around Chinese secrecy laws, which prohibit them from disclosing certain documents the SEC would need to determine if fraud took place.
Now what: It's impossible to say what the consequences of the SEC investigation will be, but the event serves as another reminder of the risk of investing in Chinese companies, particularly in solar, which were subject to their own subset of risks as Chinese solar companies has been accused of anticompetitive pricing and dumping on foreign markets. Other Chinese solar stocks have fallen as well as the news threatens the industry as a whole. Given the smoke screens in investing in Chinese solar, all but the most risk-seeking or informed investors would be mindful to stay away.
Top 5 Food Stocks To Invest In 2015: Biglari Holdings Inc (BH)
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company engaged in a range of diverse business activities. The Company, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in investment management and the franchising/operating of restaurants. The Company's wholly owned subsidiaries include Steak n Shake Operations, Inc. (Steak n Shake), Western Sizzlin Corporation (Western) and Biglari Capital Corp. (Biglari Capital). Biglari Holdings, as a capital allocating vehicle, is also in the business of owning other businesses in whole and in part. In February 2014, Biglari Holdings Inc and Alpha Media Group announced that the wholly owned subsidiary of Biglari Holdings has acquired MAXIM.
On April 30, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of Biglari Capital Corp. (Biglari Capital). On March 30, 2010, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Grill Acquisition Corporation, completed the acquisition of Western.
Steak n Shake
The Company is engaged in the ownership, operation, and franchising of Steak n Shake restaurants. Steak n Shake is a American brand serving burgers and milk shakes. Steak n Shake offers its patrons full-service dining with counter and dining room seating, as well as drive-thru and carry-out service. During the fiscal year ended September 29, 2010 (fiscal 2010), counter and dining room sales represented approximately 60% of the sales mix, while sales for off-premises dining represent approximately 40% of the sales mix.
Western Sizzlin
The Company is engaged in the franchising of restaurants. Western Sizzlin offers full service dining of signature steak dishes, as well as other classic American menu items. Western Sizzlin also operates other concepts, Great American Steak & Buffet, and Wood Grill Buffet consisting of hot and cold food buffet style dining.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of Cracker Barrel have gained 0.9% to $113.29 and�Biglari Holdings (BH), Sandar Biglari’s holding company, has fallen 0.4% to $516.96, on a day when DineEquity has advanced 1% to $85.03, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) has risen 0.5% to $76.64 and Denny’s (DENN) is up 0.7% at $7.45.
- [By Michael Lewis]
The stellar report has the stock trading at its record highs, even in the face of some serious allegations from activist investor and QSR wizard Sardar Biglari of Biglari Holdings (NYSE: BH ) . Does Biglari's argument still hold water in the face of the vastly improved Cracker Barrel?
10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Merge Healthcare Incorporated.(MRGE)
Merge Healthcare Incorporated provides health information technology interoperability solutions. It provides products ranging from standards-based development toolkits to clinical applications. The company offers Merge iConnect, an interoperable image exchange and management suite; cardiovascular information systems to bring automation to the cardiac cath lab; radiology solutions to integrate images and information; lab information systems; orthopaedic software to automate workflow and digital templating; clinical trials tools to transform data into intelligence; and perioperative solutions to streamline the pre-surgical experience. It also offers advanced image viewers, developer toolkits, and related hardware products. The company?s products are used by healthcare providers, vendors, and researchers. Merge Healthcare Incorporated was founded in 1987 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sally Jones]
Here’s a look at three application software companies currently on a 52-week low and still held by a few billionaires. The9 Ltd. (NCTY), Merge Healthcare Inc. (MRGE) and FAB Universal Corp. (FU) are more than 52% off a 52-week high.
- [By Roberto Pedone]
Another stock that's starting to move within range of triggering a breakout trade is Merge Healthcare (MRGE), which develops software solutions that facilitate the sharing of images to create a more effective and efficient electronic health care experience for patients and physicians. This stock hasn't done much in 2013, with shares up just over 8% so far.
If you take a look at the chart for Merge Healthcare, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways since it gapped down in August, with shares moving between $2.35 on the downside and $2.98 on the upside. Shares of MRGE are now starting to trend back above its 50-day moving average of $2.65 a share. That move is quickly pushing the stock within range of triggering a big breakout trade above the upper end of its sideways trading chart pattern.
Market players should now look for long-biased trades in MRGE if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.82 to $2.98 a share, and then once it takes out its 200-day moving average at $3.08 and its gap down day high of $3.20 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action o 793,997 shares. If we get that move soon, then MRGE will set up to re-fill some of its previous gap down zone from August that started at $4.60 a share.
Traders can look to buy MRGE off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $2.55 to $2.54 a share, or below that recent low of $2.35 a share. One can also buy MRGE off strength once it clears those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.
10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Meru Networks Inc.(MERU)
Meru Networks, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides wireless local area network (LAN) solutions in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It offers a virtualized wireless LAN solution based on its System Director Operating System, which runs on its controllers and access points to enable enterprises to deliver business-critical applications over wireless networks. The company?s System Director Operating System provides centralized coordination and control of various access points on the network; controllers synchronize access points to optimize the user experience and manage traffic on the network; and Wi-Fi certified access points to provide network connectivity for wireless devices. It also offers Meru Networks E(z)RF application suite comprising E(z)RF Network Manager, E(z)RF Service Assurance Manager, E(z)RF Location Manager, E(z)RF OnTheGo, Spectrum Manager, and wired and wireless management solutions, which enable enterprises to configure, monitor, troubleshoot, secure, and operate virtualized wireless LAN solution. In addition, the company provides Identity Manager that simplifies enterprise network access and identity management; Wireless Intrusion Prevention System to recognize and mitigate threats; Compliance Manager to reduce the risk of security breach by protecting customer and employee personal information by extending security to the wireless network; AirFirewall to intercept and block unwanted communications as they transmit over the air, stopping them before they reach the network; and Security Gateway SG1000 to meet the demands of the Federal Information Processing Standard, 140-2 Level 3 security required by federal government agencies and other security-conscious organizations. It serves the education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, technology, finance, government, telecom, transportation, and utility markets. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Eric Volkman]
Meru Networks (NASDAQ: MERU ) isn't wasting any time in finding a successor to one of its top executives. The company announced Monday it had appointed Brian McDonald to be its new CFO to replace the resigning Brett White. McDonald took up his position today, although White will remain at the firm through July 1 in order "to effect a smooth transition."
10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Vmware Inc.(VMW)
VMware, Inc. provides virtualization and virtualization-based cloud infrastructure solutions in the United States and internationally. The company?s products address planned and unplanned downtime management, system recoverability and reliability, backup and recovery, resource provisioning and management, capacity and performance management, and security issues. Its cloud infrastructure products and technologies include VMware vSphere, which is a data center platform that also enables live migration of actively running virtual machines across servers or storage locations without disruption or downtime; enables availability for all applications against hardware and operating system failures; and enables centralized point of control for cluster-level networking, as well as automatically manages the placement and balancing of a virtual machine across storage resources. The company also offers cloud application platform solutions that help organizations build, run, and manage enterprise applications in public, private, or hybrid clouds optimized for vSphere. In addition, it provides end-user computing solutions, which provide secure access to applications and data from various devices and location, as well as serves the corporate IT departments through managing and connecting end-user assets delivering them as a managed service. The company?s end-user computing solutions also provide the ability to manage software as a service, Windows, Mobile, or enterprise applications, as well as enhance communication and collaboration between end users. Further, it provides a range of professional services, such as consulting, education, and technical account manager services, as well as customer support services. The company sells its products through distributors, resellers, system vendors, and systems integrators. VMware, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. VMware, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of EMC Corporation.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Anders Bylund]
To help the company scale up, Red Hat just expanded its management team by one more vice president. Scott Musson comes to Red Hat from virtual computing specialist VMware (NYSE: VMW ) , where he was responsible for that company's global partnership programs.
- [By fedezaldua]
From a valuation standpoint the stock looks progressively cheap even when its top line growth has been more and more disappointing. IBM sells for 2014 10 times earnings and 7.8 times EV/EBITDA at a time when the company is growing EPS and its operating cash flow per share. Other IT giants such as Oracle (ORCL) sell for 2014 13 times earnings and 8.8 times EV/EBITDA. Vmware (VMW), a leader in cloud computing and a competitor to IBM in that segment, sells for 2014 27 times earnings and 19 times EV/EBITDA.
- [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
Equities Trading DOWN
Shares of VMware (NYSE: VMW) were 8.77 percent to $95.93 after the company reported Q1 results. Vmware reported earnings of $0.80 per share on revenue of $1.36 billion. - [By Lauren Pollock]
VMware Inc.'s(VMW) third-quarter profit rose 66% as the virtualization-software maker posted strong growth in revenue and wider margins. Shares of VMware rose as the company’s�earnings beat expectations.
10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: AvWorks Aviation Corp (SPLI)
AvWorks Aviation Corp., formerly Datamill Media Corp., incorporated on January 15, 1990, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Young Aviation, LLC (Young Aviation) operate as a diversified broker and supplier of parts and services to the worldwide aviation and aerospace markets. The Company services a broad range of clients such as aircraft leasing companies, major airlines, repair stations, fixed-base operators, leasing companies and aftermarket suppliers. The Company was a management consulting firm that planned to educate and assist small businesses to improve their management, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and other business processes, with a focus on capital market participation.
On October 3, 2011, the Company acquired 100% interests in Young Aviation. Young Aviation is a diversified broker and supplier of parts, components and products to the general aviation and aerospace markets of the United States, Europe and Asia. Young Aviation services a range of clients, such as aircraft leasing companies, major airlines, repair stations, fixed-base operators, leasing companies and after market suppliers.In December 2011, the Company announced the purchase and salvage of a Lear Jet 24 from a private owner. On June 22, 2011, Datamill Media Sub Corp. was organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Datamill Media Corp. The principal business of this subsidiary was to act as a merger vehicle for the pending merger with M3X Media, Inc. On August 12, 2011, the Company terminated the Merger Agreement with M3X Media, Inc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By James E. Brumley]
It's a rarity that I reiterate an idea I've previously opined... particularly one that I only published just a couple of days earlier. The fact that I'm going to do so with AvWorks Aviation Corp. (OTCMKTS:SPLI) - perhaps better known to some as Vapor Group - should tell you how important it is to re-convey the message. Here goes...
10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA (FCC)
Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA (FCC) is a Spain-based company, which is primarily engaged, together with its subsidiaries in the construction and environmental services sector. The Company�� activities include the collection, treatment and elimination of solid urban waste, street cleaning, sewer system maintenance, green areas and buildings maintenance, urban transport, treatment and elimination of industrial waste, full-service water supply management and cement manufacture. The Company is also active in the real estate development, as well as in the renewable energy industry. In addition, the Company is a parent of Grupo FCC, a group which comprises a number of controlled entities. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Quick Pen]
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) do not want the number of players in the telecom sector to shrink below four ��Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. To this Sprint�� Son argues that the industry already has four players ��Verizon that purchased Vodafone�� stake in it, AT&T which plans to acquire DirecTV (DTV), and Comcast (CMCSA); Sprint would be the fourth one. But these antitrust issues have been a challenge for Sprint.
- [By Live Investor]
What does the FCC have to say? The regulator�� reaction is nothing surprising. After Son met the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to convince them about the prospects of the proposed deal, Reuters reported that FCC chairman Tom Wheeler wasn�� quite impressed and had dubious thoughts on it.
10 Best Forestry Stocks To Buy Right Now: US Airways Group Inc (LCC)
US Airways Group, Inc. (US Airways Group) is a holding company whose primary business activity is the operation of a network air carrier through its wholly owned subsidiaries, US Airways, Piedmont Airlines, Inc. (Piedmont), PSA Airlines, Inc. (PSA), Material Services Company, Inc. (MSC) and Airways Assurance Limited (AAL). MSC and AAL operate in support of the Company�� airline subsidiaries in areas, such as the procurement of aviation fuel and insurance. It has hubs in Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix and a focus city in Washington, D.C. at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington National). During the year ended December 31, 2011, it offered scheduled passenger service on more than 3,100 flights daily to more than 200 communities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It also has an East Coast route network, including the US Airways Shuttle service.
The Company had approximately 53 million passengers boarding its mainline flights in 2011. During 2011, the Company�� mainline operation provided scheduled service or seasonal service at 133 airports, while the US Airways Express network served 156 airports in the United States, Canada and Mexico, including 78 airports also served by its mainline operation. US Airways Express air carriers had approximately 28 million passengers boarding their planes in 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated 340 mainline jets and was supported by its regional airline subsidiaries and affiliates operating as US Airways Express under capacity purchase agreements, which operated 233 regional jets and 50 turboprops. The Company�� prorate carriers operated seven turboprops and seven regional jets at December 31, 2011.
In May 2011, US Airways Group and US Airways entered into an Amended and Restated Mutual Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the Mutual APA) with Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta). Pursuant to the Mutual APA, Delta agreed to acquire 132 slot pa! irs at LaGuardia from US Airways and US Airways agreed to acquire from Delta 42 slot pairs at Washington National and the rights to operate additional daily service to Sao Paulo, Brazil. On December 13, 2011, the transaction contemplated by the Mutual APA closed and ownership of the respective slots was transferred between the airlines. During 2011, the US Airways Express network served 156 airports in the continental United States, Canada and Mexico, including 78 airports also served by its mainline operation. During 2011, approximately 28 million passengers boarded US Airways Express air carriers��planes, approximately 44% of whom connected to or from its mainline flights.
The Company competes with Southwest, JetBlue, Allegiant, Frontier, Virgin America and Spirit.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]
US Airways is a passenger and freight airline during a time when consumers and companies are utilizing air travel more than ever. A recent proposed merger with American Airlines is coming under scrutiny which may stall a run in the stock. The stock is now currently digesting gains from a recent move higher so it may need to trade sideways a bit before it gets going. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenue figures have been on the rise so investors in the company have been pleased. Relative to its strong peers and sector, US Airways has been a weak year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what US Airways does this remaining quarter.
- [By Tom Sandlow]
Synopsis: As a result of the terms of its bankruptcy and the proposed merger with U.S. Airways (LCC), an equity investment in AMR Corp (AAMRQ.PK) is equivalent to a series of derivatives on LCC. At current market values, AAMRQ is undervalued by approximately 40%. It is possible to create an arbitrage position that should capture this pricing differential over the next 6 months.
- [By Reuters]
Matt York/AP The U.S. Department of Justice, which is fighting a proposed merger of US Airways Group and American Airlines parent AMR Corp., asked a judge Tuesday to postpone a trial in the case, saying the federal government shutdown would prevent its staff from working. But a lawyer for the airlines said he expected the trial to determine if the government can stop the merger of US Airways and American Airlines to begin as scheduled in late November. "From what the judge said in there, and I think everybody heard, we're going to trial on Nov. 25," Richard Parker said after a pretrial hearing. "We are planning on a Nov. 25 trial date." Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly didn't mention a potential stay during the pretrial hearing Tuesday. Shares of US Airways (LCC) were up 3.5 percent at $19.63 in midday trading Tuesday, while AMR (AAMRQ) rose 9.5 percent to $4.50. The Justice Department had asked for the stay because of a government-wide shutdown that started Tuesday. "This is creating difficulties for the Department to perform the functions necessary to support its litigation efforts," the department said in a court filing. The Justice Department and several states sued Aug. 13 to stop the merger, saying the deal to create the world's biggest carrier would lead to higher fares and stifle competition. Parker said a settlement resolving the fight was still possible. "We are interested in a reasonable settlement in this case," he said. Any settlement would mean asset sales, which in turn would require approval from the judge overseeing American's emergence from bankruptcy. The airlines have defended the deal in court filings, saying it would create $500 million in savings to consumers annually by creating a stronger competitor to Delta Air Lines Inc and United Continental Holdings Inc. But the Justice Department has said the merger would be bad for consumers. Its complaint focused on Reagan National Airport, outside Washington, where the two carriers contr
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of�AMR Corp.�(AAMRQ) have gained 6.1% to $6.60 after the Allied Pilots Association published an open letter asking�Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to support its merger with US Airways�(LCC).
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