Nabors Industries CEO: $95M in pay, stock gains

It's been a big week for big reveals on the CEO pay front.

The latest: Nabors Industries' Anthony Petrello, who received compensation valued at $68.2 million and gained another $27 million from vested shares, the gas and oil drilling contractor said Wednesday in its annual filing.

Nabors Industries had been under pressure to limit pay and severance packages for executives since 2011, when then-CEO Eugene Isenberg stepped away with a $100 million termination fee, but remained as chairman. Isenberg later waived the payment.

Facing renewed shareholder pressure, Nabors' board of directors terminated a potential $50 million severance payment to Petrello and capped his cash bonus last year. But a new, restructured employment contract provided Petrello a one-time payment worth $45 million, Nabors says.

Petrello, 59, also received a stock award valued at $18.7 million, $1.5 million bonus and $1.7 million in salary. Petrello's 2012 compensation was valued at $19.7 million.

News of Petrello's compensation comes on the heels of several mega-paydays disclosed in proxy filings over the past week. Among them:

Cheniere Energy reported that CEO Charif Souki received compensation valued at $142 million and gained another $130 million from vested shares.

LinkedIn said CEO Jeffrey Weiner received compensation valued at about $49 million and gained nearly $180 million from stock options and vested shares.

Time Warner Cable said CEO Glenn Britt received compensation valued at nearly $118 million, including $62 million in stock and options that vested when he retired Dec. 31.

Wal-Mart reported CEO Mike Duke, who retired Jan. 31, received deferred comp valued at $140 million.

Follow Strauss on Twitter @gbstrauss.

Stocks to Watch: AstraZeneca, Furiex, Susser

Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Monday’s session are AstraZeneca(AZN.LN) PLC, Furiex Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Susser Holdings Corp.(SUSS)

Pfizer Inc.(PFE) confirmed Monday that it made a renewed approach to AstraZeneca regarding a takeover valued at nearly $100 billion, but the U.K.-listed pharmaceutical firm had declined to engage in talks. AstraZeneca’s American depositary shares climbed 16% to $79.60 premarket, while Pfizer edged up 2% to $31.35.

Forest Laboratories Inc.(FRX) agreed to acquire Furiex Pharmaceuticals(FURX) in a deal worth up to $1.33 billion that expands Forest Labs’ presence in gastroenterology. Furiex surged 28% to $102.21 premarket.

Energy Transfer Partners LP(ETP) on Monday said it reached a deal to buy Susser for about $1.8 billion, as it looks to create a standalone retail business with ETP’s Sunoco Inc. as the centerpiece. Susser shares surged 33% to $76.10 premarket.

Biotechnology company Athersys Inc.(ATHX) said interim results of a mid-stage study of its MultiStem cell therapy for ulcerative colitis failed to show meaningful benefit in certain cases, though the treatment had favorable safety and tolerability. Shares plunged 52% to $1.30 premarket.

Comcast Corp.(CMCSA) and Charter Communications Inc.(CHTR) reached an agreement for Comcast to divest millions of subscribers, helping it smooth over regulatory concerns involving its $45 billion deal for Time Warner Cable Inc.(TWC) As part of the agreement, Comcast will divest about 1.4 million existing Time Warner Cable customers directly to Charter for cash. Shares of Charter edged up 1.5% to $132 premarket.

Top Income Companies To Buy Right Now

Corning Inc.(GLW) said first-quarter earnings slid 39% as the maker of TV-screen glass posted higher expenses, masking a rise in revenue. The bottom line slightly topped estimates, pushing shares up 3.7% to $21.50 premarket.

GW Pharmaceuticals(GWP.LN) PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will allow pain treatment Sativex, which is used for patients with advanced cancer, to be fast tracked. Shares climbed 10% to $68.53 premarket.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.(TEVA) and OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals Inc.(OGXI) said their experimental drug for hard-to-treat cases of prostate cancer didn’t result in statistically significant improvement in overall survival in a Phase 3 study. OncoGenex shares dropped 48% to $5 premarket.

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings said its first-quarter earnings fell 23%, as severe winter weather dented its sales. Results missed expectations, but the company raised its earnings guidance for the year.

Loews Corp.(L) and CNA Financial Corp.(CNA) each posted a decline in first-quarter profit related to the pending sale of an annuity and pension business. Loews, controlled by the Tisch family, owns 90% of CNA, which usually contributes nearly two-thirds of Loews’ top line.

Chinese solar-products company Renesola Ltd.(SOL) on Monday said it had appointed Daniel Lee as its chief financial officer, effective May 5. Mr. Lee will take over for Henry Wang, who is resigning May 4 for personal reasons, the company said.

2 Warren Buffett Stocks You Can Buy Today

Photo: HomeServicesAmerica

Berkshire Hathaway has over $100 billion in common stock investments. Much of that capital is tied up in Berkshire's top 4 holdings, but the company owns over 40 individual stocks, as of its last official filing.

The stocks Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway are often looked at by countless investors hungry to ride the same ship as the Oracle of Omaha. In the following video, Motley Fool analysts David Hanson and Tyler Riggs breakdown two Berkshire-held stocks they believe are attractively priced today and poised to reward investors. Tyler details why he likes the business model at Verisk Analytics and why he is encouraged by the Verisk's organic growth, as well as its growth via acquisitions. Meanwhile, David pitches a much larger and well-known company in General Electric. Despite trailing the market over the past decade, David believes General Electric is making all the right moves by reducing its exposure to the financial industry and focusing on its manufacturing strengthens.

Warren Buffett just bought nearly 9 million shares of this company
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Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now

When you think "U.S. defense contractors," Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) probably isn't the first name that comes to mind. Nevertheless, Microsoft placed among the winners of one of the more lucrative contracts handed out at the Pentagon last night.

The contract in question, worth as much as $412.2 million to the Redmond, Wash.-based software giant, calls for Microsoft to provide Microsoft Enterprise Technical Support Services necessary to obtain highly trained "Microsoft Blue Badge cardholder support." Receiving these services requires that the DoD obtain access rights to Microsoft's proprietary (closed-source) code, which is licensed under exclusive legal right of Microsoft.�

Thus, Microsoft will be providing the Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization with consulting services that include the provision of software developers and product teams to work on a variety of proprietary Microsoft resources and source code. Also covered by the contract are "Microsoft Premier Support" services such as tools and knowledge bases, problem resolution assistance from product developers, and access to the Microsoft source code when necessary.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Spectrum Rare Earths Ltd (SPX)

Spectrum Rare Earths Limited, formerly TUC Resources Ltd, is engaged in the exploration and evaluation of rare earths, uranium, base metals and gold mineral interests. On October 2, 2012, holds approximately 18,000 square kilometer of prospective land package across 44 tenements. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, the Company is focuses on its Stromberg Heavy Rare Earth Project. The Company has 50, 100% owned tenements in the Northern Territory. Tenements within the Pine Creek Project consist of EL's 24884, 25224, 25228 and uranium rights on EL24906. Parts of EL24906 and EL24884 are located within the Rum Jungle Mineral Field. The Arnhem Project encompasses all the Company�� tenement holdings in the East Alligator River region within 150 kilometer of the high grade Narbalek uranium mine. The Litchfield Uranium Project consists of granted licenses EL25195 and EL25176 and license applications 25472, 25473 and 25221. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) - Japanese stocks chugged higher early Thursday, finding support after a record close for the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and by strengthening in the U.S. dollar versus the yen. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) rose 0.5% to 15,888.56, and the broader Topix tacked on 0.6%, with gains also coming after Japanese core machinery orders surpassed expectations. Among exporters, Sharp Corp. (JP:6753) (SHCAF) surged 4.7%, Pioneer Corp. (JP:6773) (PNCOF) picked up 3.1% and Nissan Motor Co. (JP:7201) (NSANY) gained 2.4%. Shares of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (JP:9501) (TKECF) were higher by 2% following government approval of the power firm's turnaround plan.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Apogee Enterprises Inc.(APOG)

Apogee Enterprises, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design and development of glass products, services, and systems. The company operates through two segments, Architectural Products and Services, and Large-Scale Optical Technologies. The Architectural Products and Services segment designs, engineers, fabricates, installs, maintains, and renovates the walls of glass, windows, storefront, and entrances comprising the outside skin of commercial and institutional buildings. This segment involves in the fabrication of coated and high-performance architectural glass; installation and renovation of full-service building glass; manufacture of aluminum window systems and curtain walls; painting and anodizing finishing of architectural aluminum and PVC shutters; and fabrication of aluminum storefront, entrance, and curtain wall products. Its architectural glass products and services are primarily used in commercial buildings, such as office towers, hotels, and retail centers; institutional buildings comprising education facilities and dormitories, health care facilities, and government buildings; and high-end condominiums. This segment markets its products through direct sales, and distribution and independent sales representatives to architects, building owners, general contractors, and glazing subcontractors in the commercial construction market. The Large-Scale Optical Technologies segment manufactures glass and acrylic products for the custom picture framing market. This segment distributes its products through independent distributors and mass merchandisers, as well as directly to museums, and public and private galleries. The company offers its products primarily in North America and Europe. Apogee Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  Apogee Enterprises (NASDAQ: APOG  ) has carved out a cozy living making value-added glass products for the architectural and picture-framing industries. Another thing it does is make analysts look like perpetual underachievers. If analysts say the company posted a profit of $0.17 a share in its latest quarter, I'll whip out a "greater than" sign. History's on my side!

• [By Travis Hoium]

  What: Shares of glass-product maker Apogee Enterprises (NASDAQ: APOG  ) fell 10% today after releasing fiscal fourth quarter earnings.

  So what: Revenue increased 7%, to $179.7 million, which was in-line with expectations. Net income jumped 48%, to $4.4 million, or $0.15 per share, but that fell $0.02 short of estimates, and that's why the stock is down today. For fiscal 2014, the company expects to earn $0.90 to $1.00 per share from continuing operations, which compares to the $0.97 estimate. �

• [By Eric Volkman]

  As if laying a foundation for a building, Apogee Enterprises (NASDAQ: APOG  ) is keeping its dividend level. The firm has declared its latest quarterly distribution, which is $0.09 per share. This will be paid on July 31 to shareholders of record as of July 16. That amount matches the firm's previous five distributions, the most recent of which was paid at the end of May. Prior to that, Apogee handed out slightly less -- $0.0815 per share.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  I went out on a limb last week, and now it's time to see how that decision played out.

  I predicted that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) would close higher on the week. The consumer-tech giant was approaching new lows, and it seemed as if the fears of its demise and hype over recently introduced smartphones were overblown. Apple shares benefited from a bullish week of trading, climbing 1.6% on the week. I was right. I predicted that the tech-heavy Nasdaq would outperform the Dow Jones Industrial Average. (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) . This has been a tricky call lately, so how did it play out this time? Well, the market rallied in a major way this week, with secondary stocks leading the way. The Nasdaq soared 2.8% on the week. The Dow managed to close just 2.1% higher. I was right. My final call was for Apogee (NASDAQ: APOG  ) to beat Wall Street's quarterly profit target. The maker of value-added glass products for the architectural and picture framing industries has been beating Wall Street estimates consistently over the past year. Why should that end? Analysts were looking for a profit of $0.17 a share during the quarter, and it came through with net income of $0.15. I was wrong.

  Two out of three? I can do better than that. Let me once again whip out my trusty, dusty, and occasionally accurate crystal ball to make three calls that may play out over the next few trading days.

Hot Valued Companies For 2015: Tribune Co (TRBAA)

Tribune Company, incorporated on March 19, 1968, is a media and entertainment company engaged in newspaper publishing, television and radio broadcasting and entertainment through its subsidiaries. The Company�� operations are divided into two industry segments: publishing and broadcasting and entertainment. In publishing, the Company�� daily newspapers include the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, Sun Sentinel (South Florida), Orlando Sentinel, Hartford Courant, The Morning Call and Daily Press. The company�� broadcasting group operates 23 television stations, WGN America on national cable and Chicago�� WGN-AM.

Broadcasting

The Company�� broadcasting owns and operates 23 major-market television stations and reaches more than 80% of United States television households. The group is anchored by WGN America, which can be seen in more than 70 million United States households via cable and satellite services. 13 Tribune stations are affiliates of The CW. Seven are FOX affiliates.

Publishing

The Company�� newspapers include the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Tribune Media Services specializes in entertainment listings and syndication, providing news and information for print, broadcast and interactive media.

Tribune Digital

Tribune Digital manages the operations of Tribune�� daily newspapers and their associated Websites, plus all aspects of the Company�� classified advertising operations, as well as Websites for Tribune�� TV stations. Its national classified sites include CareerBuilder.com, Cars.com and Apartments.com.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Brugger]

  Murray McQueen has been named to the newly created position of president, real estate, to oversee Tribune's (NASDAQOTH: TRBAA  ) "valuable portfolio of more than seven million square feet of real estate assets," the company announced today. McQueen will take over his new role effective immediately.

• [By Michael Lewis]

  The owner of the Los Angeles Times, and recent bankruptcy court emergent,�Tribune� (NASDAQOTH: TRBAA  ) �has made some interesting moves since its downfall in 2008, when the company drowned under the weight of its $13 billion debt load -- a parting gift from a leveraged buyout a year earlier. This week, the story got even more interesting, as management announced that the company would split its profitable operations (TV), and its less appealing businesses (papers), into two separate entities. While more details need to emerge before we can determine whether the company is a worthwhile investment, this unloved company could present an interesting opportunity to sophisticated investors.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Progress Software Corporation(PRGS)

Progress Software Corporation operates as an enterprise software company worldwide. Its products include Progress OpenEdge platform, which offers development tools, application servers, application management tools, and an embedded database; Progress Orbix to address enterprise integration problems with standards-based solutions; and Progress ObjectStore, an object data management system to store data faster than relational database management system or file-based storage system. The company?s products also comprise Progress Responsiveness Process Management suite for business users; Progress Control Tower, an interactive business control panel; Progress Sonic, which comprises an enterprise messaging system and the enterprise service buses; Progress Actional that provides operational and business visibility, root cause analysis, and policy-based security and control of services; Progress Apama, which offers tools for creating, testing, and deploying strategies for applicat ions, including algorithmic trading, market aggregation, smart order routing, market surveillance and monitoring, and risk management; Progress Savvion BusinessManager, a business process management software; and Fuse products that provide customers with access to professional open source integration and messaging software. In addition, it offers Progress DataDirect Connect products, which provide data connectivity components; Progress DataDirect Shadow to provide foundation architecture for standards-based mainframe integration; and Progress Data Services product set that offers data integration for distributed applications. Further, the company provides maintenance, consulting, training, and customer support services. Progress Software Corporation sells its products to independent software vendors, original equipment manufacturers, and system integrators through direct sales force and independent distributors. The company was founded in 1981 and is based in Bedford, Massac husetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Progress Software (NASDAQ: PRGS) shares tumbled 11.15 percent to $22.82 after the company issued a weak Q1 forecast.

  FireEye (NASDAQ: FEYE) was also down, falling 9.35 percent to $81.20 after the company's secondary offering lead to fear on the street.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Gladstone Commercial Corporation(GOOD)

Gladstone Commercial Corporation operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. It engages in investing in and owning net leased industrial and commercial real properties, and making long-term industrial and commercial mortgage loans. The company leases its real estate properties to small businesses, as well as to large public companies. As of December 31, 2009, it owned 64 properties, and held 1 mortgage loan. The company qualifies as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As a REIT, it would not be subject to federal tax to the extent that it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in McLean, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By GURUFOCUS]

  Gladstone Commercial Corporation (GOOD) operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States.Yield: 7.9%

  Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) is a business development company specializing in long- term equity, equity related, and debt investments in small and lower middle market companies. Yield: 6.3%

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Marin Software Inc (MRIN)

Marin Software Incorporated, incorporated on March 16, 2006, provides cloud-based digital advertising management platform to advertisers and agencies. The Company�� Revenue Acquisition Management platform is a software-as-a-service (SaaS), analytics, workflow, and optimization solution for marketing professionals, enabling them to manage their digital advertising spend across search, display, social and mobile advertising channels. Its platform integrates with publishers, such as Baidu, Bing, Facebook, Google, Yahoo! and Yahoo! Japan, as well as Web analytics and ad-serving solutions, and key enterprise applications to enable marketers to measure the return on investment of their marketing programs.

The Company�� software platform serves as a system-of-record for advertising performance, revenue and conversion data and allows advertisers to correlate advertising spend to subsequent revenue outcomes or business events. It enables its customers to simultaneously run large-scale digital advertising campaigns across multiple publishers and channels, making it easy for marketers to create, publish, modify and optimize campaigns in real time.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Evan Niu, CFA]

  What: Shares of Marin Software (NYSE: MRIN  ) got clobbered today, down by as much as 21% after the company reported earnings.

  So what: Revenue in the first quarter totaled $17.2 million, which resulted in a non-GAAP net loss of $9.4 million, or $0.39 per share. The freshly public software maker saw gross margin decline to 57%, and its losses grew from a year ago. Investors obviously wanted more.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Sonora Gold and Silver Corp (SOC)

Sonora Gold & Silver Corp. (Sonora) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada focused on exploration and development of precious metal projects. The Company�� blocks include Los Pavitos, the Christina and the Brenda, all located in the state of Sonora, Mexico and each consisting of 10,000 hectares in size. Sonora is exploring for commercially exploitable mineral deposits and is focused on deposits located in Tanzania, Africa. The Negese property covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometres located in the Negese Area in Kilindi District, Tanzania. As of January 31, 2012, operational focus has been primarily on the exploration of gold and silver mineral properties with the objective of identifying commercially exploitable mineralization. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Triska Hamid]

  In Abu Dhabi, researchers at the ATIC-SRC Center of Excellence for Energy Efficient Electronic Systems (ACE4S), a center jointly established by the Advanced Technology Investment Company and the Semiconductor Research Corporation, are working on the development of systems on chip (SOC) and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMs) in health care.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: MB Financial Inc.(MBFI)

MB Financial, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for MB Financial Bank, N.A. that provides various financial services to small and middle market businesses, and individuals in the United States. It offers commercial banking products and services, including credit products, comprising working capital loans and lines of credit, accounts receivable financing, inventory and equipment financing, industrial revenue bond financing, business acquisition loans, and owner occupied real estate loans, as well as financial, performance, and commercial letters of credit. The company?s commercial banking products and services also consists deposit treasury management products, such as Internet banking products, investment sweep accounts, zero balance accounts, automated tax payments, ATM access, telephone banking, lockbox, automated clearing house transactions, account reconciliation, controlled disbursement, detail and general information reporting, wire transfers, vault services for currency and coin, international banking services, capital markets products, and checking accounts, as well as provides various credit, deposit, and treasury management services for real estate operators and investors. In addition, it offers retail banking products and services; and wealth management solutions, which include banking, investment management, custody, personal trust, financial planning, wealth advisory services, estate settlement, guardianship, tax deferred exchange services, and retirement plan services. The company provides its services through operating 87 banking offices in Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area; and 1 banking office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MB Financial, Inc. was founded in 1911 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Looking to expand its banking business in the Windy City, MB Financial (NASDAQ: MBFI  ) jointly announced with Taylor Capital (NASDAQ: TAYC  ) that it was buying the�holding company of�Cole Taylor�Bank, a Chicago-based commercial bank with $5.9 billion in assets, $3.3 billion in loans, and $3.7 billion in deposits.

• [By Sean Williams]

  What: Shares of Taylor Capital (NASDAQ: TAYC  ) , the holding company of Cole Taylor Bank, a commercial and consumer lending and financial services company located in the Chicago area, skyrocketed as much as 22% after agreeing to be purchased by MB Financial (NASDAQ: MBFI  ) .

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: American States Water Co (AWR)

American States Water Company (AWR), incorporated on February 25, 1998, is the parent company of Golden State Water Company (GSWC) and American States Utility Services, Inc. (ASUS) and its subsidiaries (Fort Bliss Water Services Company (FBWS), Terrapin Utility Services, Inc. (TUS), Old Dominion Utility Services, Inc. (ODUS), Palmetto State Utility Services, Inc. (PSUS) and Old North Utility Services, Inc. (ONUS)). AWR operates in three segments: water, electric and contracted services. Within the segments, AWR has two principal business units, water and electric service utility operations, conducted through GSWC, and contracted services conducted through ASUS and its subsidiaries.

GSWC is a California public utility company engaged principally in the purchase, production and distribution of water in 75 communities in 10 counties in the State of California. GSWC also provides electric service to the City of Big Bear Lake and surrounding areas in San Bernardino County, California through its Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES) division. GSWC served 255,657 water customers and 23,379 electric customers as of December 31, 2012. ASUS, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, has contracted with the United States government to provide water and/or wastewater services at various military installations, including the operation, maintenance, renewal and replacement of the water and/or wastewater systems, pursuant to 50-year firm, fixed-price contracts. As of December 31, 2012, GSWC�� physical properties consisted of water transmission and distribution systems which included 2,786 miles of pipeline together with services, meters and fire hydrants and approximately 425 parcels of land.

As of December 31, 2012, GSWC owned 244 wells, of which 188 are active operable wells equipped with pumps with an aggregate production capacity of approximately 202.7 million gallons per day. GSWC has 63 connections to the water distribution facilities of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern Cali! fornia (MWD), and other municipal water agencies. GSWC�� storage reservoirs and tanks have an aggregate capacity of approximately 111 million gallons. GSWC owns no dams. GSWC�� electric properties are located in the Big Bear area of San Bernardino County, California. As of December 31, 2012, GSWC owned and operated 29.6 miles of overhead 34.5 kilovolt transmission lines, 1.4 mile of underground 34.5 kilovolt transmission lines, 179.6 miles of 4.16 kilovolt or 2.4 kilovolt distribution lines, 53.2 miles of underground cable, 13 sub-stations and a natural gas-fueled 8.4 megawatt peaking generation facility. GSWC also has franchises, easements and other rights of way for the purpose of constructing and using poles, wires and other appurtenances for transmitting electricity.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Richard Band]

  American States Water (AWR) provides water service to one of 36 Californians throughout the northern, coastal and southern regions of the state.

  In their recent earnings report, AWR showed an 11.1% increase in diluted earnings per share, but revenues fell short of analyst estimates by 2% due to an increase in the effective income tax rate for the company’s water segment.

• [By Sean Williams]

  Debt is another big concern in the utility sector. In order to expand and maintain its existing network of pipes and sewers, American Water and its peers have had to take on a significant amount of debt. American Water Works, for example, carries $5.6 billion in net debt on its balance sheet, but has brought in close to $1 billion in operating cash flow over the trailing-12-month period. By comparison, California's American States Water (NYSE: AWR  ) only has $303 million in net debt but generated only $106 million in operating cash flow over the past 12 months. American States may be in better financial shape than American Water Works with regard to debt to equity, but it doesn't have nearly the same bargaining or expansionary power.

Best Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Prana Biotechnology Ltd (PRAN)

Prana Biotechnology Limited engages in the research and development of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders in Australia. The company primarily focuses on the Alzheimer�s, Parkinson�s, and Huntington�s diseases, as well as various cancer, age-related macular degeneration and cataract, Motor Neuron, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases. Its development stage product line comprises PBT2, a Phase IIb clinical trial product for the treatment of Alzheimer�s disease; and PBT2, a Phase IIa clinical trial product for the treatment of Huntington�s disease. The company was formerly known as Prana Corporation Ltd. and changed its name to Prana Biotechnology Limited in January 2000. Prana Biotechnology Limited was founded in 1997 and is based in Parkville, Australia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James Brumley]

  SGNT stock is also valued at a palatable trailing P/E of 19.8, and has logged six straight quarterly earnings beats, making it one of the best cheap stocks in the pharmaceutical industry.

  Prana Biotechnology (PRAN)

  It’s a slippery slope when you start placing bets based on a company with no marketable product, and a lead candidate that’s only in Phase 2 trials. But, Prana Biotechnology (PRAN) may be one of those cheap stocks within the drugmaking world that’s worth the risk.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  Considering Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE:LLY) as well as a co-development project between Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) both failed in semi-recent effort to develop a similar-functioning Alzheimer's drug, it would be easy to assume that particular route towards an Alzheimer's might be the wrong path to take. Sometimes though, a small tweak or a seemingly-minor nuance with the underlying problem can make all the difference. Enter Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ:PRAN). Though the company acknowledges its focal point on the development of an Alzheimer's therapy is the same broad premise that ultimately led LLY, PFE, and JNJ to failure, PRAN may have found the proverbial missing link.

Google and Microsoft Earnings Disappoint; Stock Prices Fall Back

Both Google (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) headed into this Thursday's earnings reports on a full head of steam. Investors in the two tech giants saw signs of recovery three months ago, and the stocks have been crushing the S&P 500 in 2013. In particular, Google investors looked forward to the potentially powerful impact of an improved advertising model, known as "enhanced campaigns." For Microsoft, the positive story focused on the recent restructuring effort and a strong push into mobile computing.

GOOG Total Return Price data by YCharts

Well, the reports have been filed, and the stocks took a collective haircut. Google shares dropped as much as 4.6% on the news, while Redmond lost a massive 10% of its value overnight.

For Google, the enhanced campaigns sure played a big part -- but in the wrong direction. The company is migrating all of its advertising customers to the new model at "breakneck speed," and massive changes tend to hurt in the short term.

Early adopters are reporting good results from their new-and-improved ad campaigns, which combined the separate tools for browser-based and mobile ad placements into one. The new model also promises to increase targeting and control, giving advertisers a more efficient way to reach the right potential customers. But Google didn't expect this change to boost its own results overnight. Instead, chief business officer Nikesh Arora characterized it as "a big long-term bet."

For Microsoft, the mobile boost never happened. Investors might have guessed as much earlier on Thursday, when Mr. Softie's most important smartphone partner Nokia (NYSE: NOK  ) whiffed on its own second-quarter targets. Nokia shares fell as much as 5% on that report, unleashing at least three negative analyst comments, plus one outright downgrade.

Top Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now

On top of that weak partnership, Microsoft spent a ton of cash on manufacturing and marketing the Microsoft Surface tablet, which hasn't gained much market traction from all this effort. The company posted a $900 million writedown of unsold Surface RT tablets. At the same time, Redmond's cost of goods sold increased 14% year over year, thanks to the Surface push, but total revenue only grew by 3%.

The way I see it, Google is making appropriate long-term bets that should pay off somewhere down the road. I'm very comfortable owning my Google shares, and expect them to recover from this temporary setback very quickly.

The story is much darker in Redmond. I wouldn't mind Microsoft betting the house on mobility, if there were any evidence that the effort is paying off. But billion-dollar write-offs point to a failed strategy shift.

Maybe Microsoft would be better off doubling down on the enterprise-class software portfolio instead, leaving others to battle over consumer gadgets like tablets and smartphones. Spin-off or sell the successful Xbox operation to give it the best possible shot at rewarding investors, and let the core of Microsoft go head-to-head with IBM (NYSE: IBM  ) in the business-class sector instead.

That stragety wouldn't be as sexy as Microsoft's current emphasis on chasing consumer dollars, but there's nothing wrong with boring, predictable success. I mean, take one look at this long-term comparison between boring old IBM and unfocused Microsoft, and then tell me which stock you'd rather have owned. (Adding Google to the same chart is almost unfair, since that stock price has grown 760% over the last decade. But Microsoft clearly can't beat Big G at its own game, while it might stand a chance in IBM's court.)

MSFT Total Return Price data by YCharts

It's incredible to think just how much of our digital and technological lives are almost entirely shaped and molded by just a handful of companies, with Microsoft and Google among them. Find out "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" in The Motley Fool's latest free report, which details the knock-down, drag-out battle being waged by the five kings of tech. Click here to keep reading.

Will Comic-Con Boost These 2 Unexpected Comic Book Movies?

Comic book movies and TV shows don't always star superheroes. Sometimes, they star dead lawmen and trained killers. That's what we'll have next weekend when R.I.P.D. and RED 2 open in theaters.

You couldn't ask for better timing. Wednesday marks preview night for San Diego Comic-Con, arguably the world's largest celebration of comics and pop culture. The festival lasts throughout opening weekend for both of these comics-sourced films.

R.I.P.D., short for "rest in peace department," tells the story of two deceased cops who return to the living world to protect it from evil spirits that refuse move on into the afterlife. Dark Horse Comics first published the four-issue miniseries from writer Peter M. Lenkov in late 1999. Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds co-star in the film version, which cost Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA  ) NBCUniversal a reported $130 million to produce.

Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds star as deceased cops in R.I.P.D. Sources: Dark Horse Comics and Comics Price Guide.

RED 2 is the star-studded sequel to the 2010 hit RED, also from Lions Gate (NYSE: LGF  ) and Summit Entertainment. It also marks the second comic book film this summer to be adapted from the work of writer Warren Ellis, who teamed with artist Cully Hammer to create the original "RED" miniseries for DC Comics imprint WildStorm in 2003. Which was the first? Iron Man 3. Ellis' "Extremis" storyline helped inform the plot line for the Marvel Studios blockbuster.

Bruce Willis stars as ex-CIA operative Frank Moses in RED 2. Sources: WildStorm and Comics Price Guide.

RED 2 features an ensemble cast of former intelligence operatives who are classified as "retired, extremely dangerous." Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren all reprise their earlier roles in the sequel, which cost a reported $85 million to make.

How well can Comcast and LionsGate investors expect R.I.P.D. and RED 2 to do next weekend? Google's Trends data isn't promising, unfortunately:

R.I.P.D. is barely registering while RED 2 is tracking even with low-budget flick The Conjuring, from Time Warner. Meanwhile, another family film -- Turbo -- appears headed for a big opening for 21st Century Fox (NASDAQ: FOX  ) . So much for timing, eh?

The annual Comic-Con festival and its 130,000-strong celebration of comics and pop culture may still not be enough to keep R.I.P.D. from opening dead on arrival as RED 2 is taken out by Turbo's snail. Call it the dog days of comic book summer. Or just disappointing. Both films look entertaining enough to merit audience support.

Now its your turn to weigh in. Should Comcast and Lions Gate continue to invest in lesser-known comics properties, or is it best to leave the genre to Warner and Walt Disney? Leave a comment to let us know what you think.

R.I.P.D. opens on July 19. Sources: YouTube, NBCUniversal.

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Stocks rise; S&P 500 in longest win streak in 6 mths

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — U.S. stocks closed modestly higher Monday, helping the S&P 500 to extend its winning streak to the longest in six months.

Estimate-beating results from a number of companies on Monday boosted sentiment amid thin volumes on Wall Street. More than 4.8 billion stocks changed hands across Nasdaq and NYSE exchanges, the lowest number this year, according to FactSet.

Reporting ahead of the bell Monday, Halliburton Co. (HAL) , Hasbro, Inc. (HAS)   and Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) beat Wall Street's expectations. Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)   shares rose in aftermarket trade after earnings topped estimates.

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Barnes & Noble to Exit Tablet Hardware Business

Retail bookseller Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS  ) today announced that it will be exiting the tablet hardware business, discontinuing its Nook tablet lineup.

The company made the disclosure as part of its earnings results, as the Nook segment's revenue fell 34% to $108 million in the fourth quarter. "Device sales declined during the fourth quarter due to lower selling volume," said the company. "Digital content sales increased 16.2% for the full year, however, they decreased 8.9% for the fourth quarter due in part to the device sales shortfall as well as the comparison to the The Hunger Games and Fifty Shades of Grey trilogies a year ago."

B&N said it hopes to reduce losses in the business by partnering with third-party manufacturers to sell co-branded devices. It said it will continue to make its more basic, black-and-white e-readers but farm out the tablet manufacturing to a third-party.

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"We know this is a sizable change from our existing strategy," CEO William Lynch said in a call with analysts. He declined to give specifics on how the tablet partnership would work because the company is in discussions with "a lot of interested parties."

According to research firm IDC, Barnes & Noble's tablet shipments fell to 1 million in the fourth quarter, down from 1.4 million a year earlier.

Barnes & Noble will continue designing Nook e-readers like its Simple Touch and Glowlight devices, but the color tablet market is proving too competitive. The company will sell through its existing Nook tablet inventory, and continue offering support and software updates for Nook customers.

Nook device sales and digital content sales both declined in the fourth quarter.

-- Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Annie's Increases Sales but Misses Estimates on Earnings

Annie's (NYSE: BNNY  ) reported earnings on June 10. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q4), Annie's beat expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew significantly. GAAP earnings per share increased significantly.

Gross margins dropped, operating margins increased, net margins expanded.

Revenue details
Annie's reported revenue of $52.7 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $50.7 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 23% higher than the prior-year quarter's $43.0 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.24. The six earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.27 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.24 for Q4 were 500% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.04 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 39.2%, 70 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 14.5%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.0%, 350 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $41.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.15.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $203.0 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.01.

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Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 55 members out of 86 rating the stock outperform, and 31 members rating it underperform. Among 27 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 18 give Annie's a green thumbs-up, and nine give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Annie's is outperform, with an average price target of $40.50.

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10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now

It's not just JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU  ) offering passengers access to satellite television at no additional cost.

Southwest (NYSE: LUV  ) is announcing this morning that it's teaming up with DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH  ) to offer complimentary access to 14 live TV channels as well as 75 on-demand shows through the airline's more than 400 Wi-Fi-enabled planes.

If you're wondering who will pay to install monitors for every seat you may have missed the Wi-Fi component here. Unlike JetBlue -- which has seatback monitors delivering 36 DirecTV (NASDAQ: DTV  ) television channels and most of Sirius XM's (NASDAQ: SIRI  ) satellite radio stations, but is late to the game by just now starting to update its fleet for Wi-Fi -- Southwest won't be providing monitors. Passengers will use their Wi-Fi tablets, laptops, and smartphones to log into the Web-based service that DISH has been advertising in recent months.

Southwest charges passengers $8 a day for Wi-Fi access, but they won't have to pay if all they want to do is access DISH's video offerings.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion SAB de CV (VLRS)

Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion SAB de CV (Volaris Aviation Holding Company) is a Mexico-based company principally engaged in the airline passenger transportation industry. The Company is a law-cost carrier airline. Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion SAB de CV offers direct, point-to-point flights. The Company serves through secondary, lower cost airports and provides a single class of service. The Company utilizes such aircraft as the Airbus A319 and A320 families, among others. The Company has such subsidiaries as Comercializadora Volaris SA de CV, Servicios Corporativos Volaris SA de CV, Concesionaria Vuela Compania de Aviacion SAPI de CV, Deutsche Bank Mexico SA Trust 1484, among others. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  When most American investors think of discount airline stocks, they probably think of relatively large capped Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE: LUV)�or sort of small cap�JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ: JBLU) rather than�small cap Controladora Vuela Co Avcn SA CV (NYSE: VLRS) which owns Volaris���a discount airline serving the�Mexican market. However, any investor who has read Benjamin Graham�� Intelligent Investor might want to remember his sage advice about avoiding airline stocks���mainly because airlines were such a new and unproven sector that had yet to make money. But could Controladora Vuela Co Avcn SA CV actually be an airline stock worth owning?

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: JetBlue Airways Corporation(JBLU)

JetBlue Airways Corporation provides passenger air transportation services in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, it operated approximately 700 daily flights to 70 destinations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and Mexico; and 12 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America through a fleet of 120 Airbus A320 aircraft and 49 EMBRAER 190 aircraft. The company, through its subsidiary, LiveTV, LLC, provides in-flight entertainment, voice communication, and data connectivity systems and services for commercial and general aviation aircraft, including live in-seat satellite television, digital satellite radio, wireless aircraft data link service, and cabin surveillance systems. JetBlue Airways Corporation was founded in 1998 and is based in Forest Hills, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Southwest has also stood up to low-cost competitor JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU  ) by coming to an agreement with DISH Network to offer free live television access as well as on-demand shows at no charge. Rather than installing monitors, Southwest will make the entertainment freely available on its Wi-Fi planes, not even charging for Wi-Fi access for passengers who want only to watch the DISH offerings.

• [By Louis Navellier]

  My first recommendation, JetBlue Airways (JBLU) has been cleared for takeoff. Based in Forest Hills, New York, this passenger airliner operates some 700 flights daily with a fleet of 175 aircrafts. JetBlue transports passengers to 71 destinations in 22 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico, as well as to 12 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.

• [By John Udovich]

  When most American investors think of discount airline stocks, they probably think of relatively large capped Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE: LUV)�or sort of small cap�JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ: JBLU) rather than�small cap Controladora Vuela Co Avcn SA CV (NYSE: VLRS) which owns Volaris���a discount airline serving the�Mexican market. However, any investor who has read Benjamin Graham�� Intelligent Investor might want to remember his sage advice about avoiding airline stocks���mainly because airlines were such a new and unproven sector that had yet to make money. But could Controladora Vuela Co Avcn SA CV actually be an airline stock worth owning?

• [By Louis Navellier]

  Southwest has some stiff competition to contend with, including Delta Air Lines (DAL) and JetBlue (JBLU). Right now, all three are buys in my Portfolio Grader screening tool. If you compare Southwest to the Regional Airlines industry, you’ll see that this company ranks towards the top on most fundamental metrics.

Best Value Stocks To Own Right Now: American Airlines Group Inc (AAL)

American Airlines Group Inc., formerly AMR Corporation, incorporated in October 1982, operates in the airline industry. The Company's principal subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc. (American). As of December 31, 2011, American provided scheduled jet service to approximately 160 destinations throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. AMR Eagle Holding Corporation (AMR Eagle), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, owns two regional airlines, which do business as American Eagle-American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, the American Eagle carriers). American also contracts with an independently owned regional airline, which does business as AmericanConnection (the AmericanConnection carrier). As of December 31, 2011, AMR Eagle operated approximately 1,500 daily departures, offering scheduled passenger service to over 175 destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

American, AMR Eagle and the AmericanConnection airline served more than 250 cities in approximately 50 countries with, on average, 3,400 daily flights and the combined network fleet numbered approximately 900 aircraft as of December 31, 2011. American Airlines is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN Airlines, Iberia, Qantas, JAL, Malev Hungarian, Mexicana, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines. Together, oneworld members serve 750 destinations in approximately 150 countries, with about 8,500 daily departures. American is also one of the scheduled air freight carriers in the world, providing a range of freight and mail services to shippers throughout its system onboard American's passenger fleet.

To improve access to each other's markets, American has established marketing relationships with other airlines and rail companies. As of December 31, 2011, American had marketing relationships with Air Berlin, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cape Air, C! athay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, Dragonair, Deutsche Bahn German Rail, EL AL, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, GOL, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetStar Airways, LAN (includes LAN Airlines, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru), Niki Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

American has established the AAdvantage frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). AAdvantage members earn mileage credits by flying on American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carrier or by using services of other participants in the AAdvantage program. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded travel on American, American Eagle or other participating airlines, or for other awards. American sells mileage credits and related services to other participants in the AAdvantage program. There are over 1,000 program participants, including a credit card issuer, hotels, car rental companies, and other products and services companies in the AAdvantage program. As of December 31, 2011, AAdvantage had approximately 69 million total members.

The Company competes with Alaska Airlines (Alaska), Delta Air Lines (Delta), Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways (JetBlue), Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines (Southwest) and AirTran Airways (Air Tran), Spirit Airlines, United Airlines (United) and Continental Airlines (Continental), US Airways and Virgin America Airlines.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

  A measure of mining companies listed on the FTSE 350 Index fell 1.7 percent, trimming a 16 percent quarterly advance. Rio Tinto Group and BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP), the world�� largest mining companies slipped 2.3 percent to 3,067 pence and 2.2 percent to 1,841 pence. Anglo American Plc (AAL) dropped 1.9 percent to 1,540 pence. The shares slid 3.2 percent this week for the biggest decline in almost three months.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA)

Deutsche Lufthansa AG is a Germany-based aviation company with global operations and a total of more than 400 subsidiaries and associated companies. The Company is engaged in passenger transport, airfreight and airline services. The Lufthansa Group operates in five major business segments: scheduled passenger air traffic (Passenger Airline Group) consists of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lufthansa CityLine GmbH, Swiss International Air Lines AG, Austrian Airlines AG, Air Dolomiti S.p.A., Eurowings Luftverkehrs AG and Germanwings GmbH; scheduled airfreight services (Logistics) consists of the Lufthansa Cargo group; maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) consists of the Lufthansa Technik group; information technology (IT Services) consists of the Lufthansa Systems group, and catering (Catering) consists of the LSG Lufthansa Sky Chefs group. On April 20, 2012, the Company announced the divestiture of British Midland Ltd. (bmi) to International Consolidated Airlines Group SA. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jonathan Morgan]

  Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA), Europe�� largest airline by sales, advanced 3.1 percent to 15.52 euros as a gauge of travel and leisure companies posted the biggest gain of the 19 industry groups in the Stoxx Europe 600 Index. EasyJet Plc rallied after saying its fiscal third-quarter revenue climbed.

• [By Tom Stoukas]

  Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA) and Allianz SE (ALV) led airlines and insurers lower, retreating at least 1.5 percent. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) slid 1.6 percent. Deutsche Bank AG (DBK) rose after JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its recommendation on the shares. Gildemeister AG (GIL) added 3.4 percent after Deutsche Bank upgraded the maker of cutting tools.

• [By Jonathan Morgan]

  German stocks were little changed, as declines in utilities and banks offset gains in Deutsche Lufthansa AG (LHA) and Deutsche Boerse AG.

  RWE AG (RWE), Germany�� second-largest utility, slipped 2.4 percent after RBC Capital Markets cut its recommendation on the stock. Lufthansa followed its European peers higher, recovering some of its Aug. 2 selloff. Xing AG (O1BC), the business social network, jumped the most since October as Deutsche Bank AG (DBK) upgraded its rating on the shares.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: China Eastern Airlines Corp Ltd (CEA)

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited (China Eastern), incorporated on April 14, 1985, is an air carriers operating in the People�� Republic of China. As of December 31, 2010, the Company served a route network that covers 182 domestic and foreign cities in 30 countries. It operates from Shanghai�� Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. During the year ended December 31, 2010, its flights accounted for 52.2% and 37.9% of all the flight traffic at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport, respectively. During 2010, it accounted for approximately 31.1% of the total passenger traffic volume and 19% of the total freight volume on routes to and from Shanghai. As of December 31, 2010, it had a fleet of 355 aircraft, including 337 passenger jets each with a seating capacity of over 100 seats and 18 freighters.

Passenger Operations

During 2010, the Company operated approximately 9,600 scheduled flights per week, excluding charter flights, serving a route network that covers 182 domestic and foreign cities in 30 countries. During 2010, its domestic routes generated approximately 71.5% of its passenger revenues. Its heavily traveled domestic routes link Shanghai to the commercial and business centers of the People�� Republic of China, such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. During 2010, it also operated approximately 361 flights per week to and from Hong Kong, originating from Shanghai and 16 major cities in eastern, northern and western the People�� Republic of China. During 2010, it operated approximately 103 flights per week between mainland China and Taiwan. During 2010, its regional routes accounted for approximately 5.4% of its passenger revenues. During 2010, it operated approximately 1,079 international flights per week, serving 60 cities in 29 countries, linking Shanghai to cities in Asian and Southeast Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, Thailand and Bangladesh and locations in Europe, the Un! ited States and Australia.

During 2010, the Company re-started its Shanghai to London and Shanghai to Moscow routes. During 2010, revenues derived from its operations on international routes accounted for approximately 23.2% of its passenger revenues. During 2010, revenues derived from its operations to and from Japan accounted for approximately 7.7% of its passenger revenues and approximately 33.4% of its international passenger revenues. Its international and regional flights and a portion of its domestic flights either originate or terminate in Shanghai, the central hub of its route network. Its operations in Shanghai are conducted at Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. On March 16, 2010, it moved its operations at Hongqiao International Airport to the terminal two of Hongqiao International Airport. It operates its flights through three hubs located in eastern, northwestern and southwestern China, namely Shanghai, Xi��n and Kunming, respectively.

Cargo and Mail Operations

The Company�� cargo and mail business utilizes the same route network used by its passenger airline business. It carries cargo and mail on its freight aircraft, as well as in available cargo space on its passenger aircraft. Its cargo and mail routes are international routes. As of December 31, 2010, it had seven MD-11F, four B777F and two B757-200F freight aircraft under operating leases for cargo and mail operations. It also has three Airbus A300-600R aircraft, as well as two Boeing 747-400ER freighters for its cargo operations.

The Company competes with Air China Limited, China Southern Airlines Company Limited, Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways, Thai Airways International, Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, Alitalia, Air France-KLM Group, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Aeroflot and Qantas Airways.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Belinda Cao]

  The Bloomberg China-US Equity Index (CH55BN) of the most-traded Chinese companies in the U.S. slumped 3.4 percent last week to a seven-month low of 89.04. The gauge traded at 13.5 times estimated earnings, 3.6 percent below the S&P�� valuation, data compiled by Bloomberg show. China Southern Airlines Co. (ZNH) and China Eastern Airlines Corp. (CEA) lost more than 6 percent April 5, while Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc. (HMIN) tumbled 16 percent in the week.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: Southwest Airlines Co (LUV)

Southwest Airlines Co., incorporated on March 9, 1967, operates Southwest Airlines, a passenger airline, which provides scheduled air transportation in the United States. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was serving 72 cities in 37 states throughout the United States. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company added addition services in two new states and three new cities: Charleston, South Carolina; Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Newark, New Jersey. Southwest provides point-to-point. On May 2, 2011, the Company acquired AirTran Holdings, Inc. (AirTran).

AirTran�� route system provides hub-and-spoke, rather than point-to-point, service, with approximately half of AirTran�� flights originating or terminating at its hub in Atlanta, Georgia. AirTran also serves a range of markets with non-stop service from bases of operation in Baltimore, Maryland; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Orlando, Florida. As of December 31, 2011, AirTran was serving 68 United States and near-international destinations, including San Juan, Puerto Rico; Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; Oranjestad, Aruba; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Bermuda. As of January 31, 2012, AirTran served 65 destinations. During 2011, approximately 71% of Southwest�� customers flew non-stop, and Southwest�� average aircraft trip stage length was 664 miles with an average duration of approximately 1.8 hours.

As of December 31, 2011, Southwest offered 25 weekday roundtrips from Dallas Love Field to Houston Hobby, 13 weekday roundtrips from Phoenix to Las Vegas, 13 weekday roundtrips from Burbank to Oakland, and 12 weekday roundtrips from Los Angeles International to Oakland. Southwest offers connecting service opportunities from over 60 Southwest cities to different Volaris airports in Mexico including Aguascalientes, Guadalajara, Mexico City (MEX), Mexico City-Toluca (TLC), Morelia, and Zacatecas. The Company�� International Connect portal conducts two separate transac! tions: one with Southwest�� reservation system and one with Volaris�� reservation system.

Southwest bundles fares into three categories: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Wanna Get Away fares are lowest fares. Business Select fares are refundable and changeable, and funds may be applied toward future travel on Southwest. Business Select fares also include additional perks, such as priority boarding, a frequent flyer point multiplier, priority security and ticket counter access in select airports, and one complimentary adult beverage coupon for the day of travel. The Company�� Internet Website, southwest.com, is the avenue for Southwest Customers to purchase tickets online. During 2011, southwest.com accounted for approximately 78% of all Southwest bookings. During 2011, approximately 84% of Southwest�� Passenger revenues came through its Website, including revenues from SWABIZ, the Company�� business travel reservation Web page.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  However, for any global network carrier today, keeping business travelers coming back is critical to long-term success. One way to ensure that happens is to reliably deliver good service. Delta does just that -- and trounces other major carriers like American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL  ) , United Continental (NYSE: UAL  ) , and even Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV  ) in terms of service quality.

• [By Kyle Spencer]

  Southwest Airlines (LUV): Think, "accessible, affordable memories," at least, according to a 2012 study released by Buyology, a strategic neuromarketing firm, and uSamp, a provider of technology and survey respondents used to obtain consumer and business insights, women chose Southwest over all other major brands.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: WestJet Airlines Ltd (WJA)

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WestJet) provides airline service and travel packages with scheduled service to more than 85 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and has partnership agreements with over 30 airlines around the world. WestJet operates a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. The Company�� subsidiaries include WestJet Investment Corp., WestJet Operations Corp., WestJet Vacations Inc. and WestJet Encore Ltd. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Lam]

  BlackBerry, the smartphone maker looking to sell itself, lost 3.6 percent to pace declines among technology stocks. WestJet (WJA) Airlines Ltd. dropped 2.5 percent as load factor slipped in September. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. rose 1.4 percent after receiving approvals for products in the U.S. and Canada. Agrium Inc. added 0.7 percent after naming a successor for its retiring chief executive officer.

• [By Gerrit De Vynck]

  Closely held Porter unveiled plans in April to add as many as 30 CSeries jets in an order valued at as much as $2.1 billion from Montreal-based Bombardier to reach as far as Los Angeles and the Caribbean as it challenges the country�� two biggest carriers, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WJA) The order, which would be Bombardier�� first for the aircraft with a Canadian carrier, is conditional on the runway extension and a removal of the jet ban.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: AMR Corp (AAMRQ)

AMR Corporation (AMR), incorporated in October 1982, operates in the airline industry. The Company�� principal subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc. (American). As of December 31, 2011, American provided scheduled jet service to approximately 160 destinations throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. AMR Eagle Holding Corporation (AMR Eagle), a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR, owns two regional airlines, which do business as American Eagle - American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, the American Eagle carriers). American also contracts with an independently owned regional airline, which does business as AmericanConnection (the AmericanConnection carrier). As of December 31, 2011, AMR Eagle operated approximately 1,500 daily departures, offering scheduled passenger service to over 175 destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

American, AMR Eagle and the AmericanConnection airline served more than 250 cities in approximately 50 countries with, on average, 3,400 daily flights and the combined network fleet numbered approximately 900 aircraft as of December 31, 2011. American Airlines is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN Airlines, Iberia, Qantas, JAL, Malev Hungarian, Mexicana, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines. Together, oneworld members serve 750 destinations in approximately 150 countries, with about 8,500 daily departures. American is also one of the scheduled air freight carriers in the world, providing a range of freight and mail services to shippers throughout its system onboard American�� passenger fleet.

To improve access to each other�� markets, American has established marketing relationships with other airlines and rail companies. As of December 31, 2011, American had marketing relationships with Air Berlin, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airl! ines, Dragonair, Deutsche Bahn German Rail, EL AL, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, GOL, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetStar Airways, LAN (includes LAN Airlines, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru), Niki Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

American has established the AAdvantage frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). AAdvantage members earn mileage credits by flying on American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carrier or by using services of other participants in the AAdvantage program. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded travel on American, American Eagle or other participating airlines, or for other awards. American sells mileage credits and related services to other participants in the AAdvantage program. There are over 1,000 program participants, including a credit card issuer, hotels, car rental companies, and other products and services companies in the AAdvantage program. As of December 31, 2011, AAdvantage had approximately 69 million total members.

The Company competes with Alaska Airlines (Alaska), Delta Air Lines (Delta), Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways (JetBlue), Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines (Southwest) and AirTran Airways (Air Tran), Spirit Airlines, United Airlines (United) and Continental Airlines (Continental), US Airways and Virgin America Airlines.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Spirit has gained 15% to $39.15 at 3:12 p.m., while JetBlue has risen 2.5% to $6.96, Southwest has ticked up 0.5% to $15.20 and Allegiant is up 0.7% at $98.83. The day’s biggest loser: AMR Corp. (AAMRQ), which has fallen 2.4% to $4.98 as it continues to be weak following yesterday’s decision by a judge to reject a request for information on past mergers form the DoJ.

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  The proposed merger between AMR (NASDAQOTH: AAMRQ  ) and US Airways (NYSE: LCC  ) is reaching the final stages of the antitrust review process. The Department of Justice has been taking depositions recently, in an effort to gather testimony that will inform its decision of whether or not to approve the merger.

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  United's high cost structure might be manageable if it could sustain a revenue premium against competitors like Delta and AMR (NASDAQOTH: AAMRQ  ) . However, United was the worst airline in the U.S. according to most customer service metrics in 2012, destroying customer goodwill. Unless the company can make a miraculous turnaround and justify higher fares than competitors, United's high cost structure will doom it to mediocrity in the long run.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  The skies appear a bit clearer for AMR Corp. (AAMRQ) today.

  EPA

  The big news: a press release that went out about an announcement regarding AMR’s merger with U.S. Airways (LCC) that would come at 1pm. Shares of AMR spiked about 6.6% when the press release hit the newswires at about 11:40 a.m.

  That release followed other big news for AMR. After yesterday’s close, the beleaguered airline said that it turned a $71 million profit in August and that it would hire some 1,500 pilots during the next five years, while the DoJ is seeking to delay the merger trial because of the government shutdown.

  AMR has gained 9.7% to $4.51 at 12:24 p.m., while U.S. Airways has risen 3.4% to $19.60. The news also appears to be giving other airlines a boost. United Continental (UAL) has gained 3.1% to $31.66, while Delta Air Lines (DAL) has advanced 1.5% to $23.94.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: Indonesia Transport & Infrastructure Tbk PT (IATA)

PT Indonesia Transport & Infrastructure Tbk, formerly PT Indonesia Air Transport Tbk, is an Indonesia-based air transport service provider. The Company provides air transportation, hiring and/or leasing aircrafts, repairs and maintenance of aircrafts and trading of aviation technical equipment and related spare parts. It also provides medical evacuation services, tourism and scheduled flight services to several routes in central and eastern Indonesia. The Company operates various types of fixed wing aircrafts and helicopters, such as EC 155 B1, AS 365 Dauphin N2 twin turbine helicopter, Beechcraft 1900D, ATR 42-300, ATR 42-500 and Fokker 50. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Shereen El Gazzar]

  The forecast, from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), sees the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region with the strongest international passenger growth, with a compound average growth rate of 6.3% and 5.7% respectively.

10 Best Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now: AMR Corp (AAMRQ.PK)

AMR Corporation (AMR), incorporated in October 1982, operates in the airline industry. The Company�� principal subsidiary is American Airlines, Inc. (American). As of December 31, 2011, American provided scheduled jet service to approximately 160 destinations throughout North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. AMR Eagle Holding Corporation (AMR Eagle), a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR, owns two regional airlines, which do business as American Eagle - American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, the American Eagle carriers). American also contracts with an independently owned regional airline, which does business as AmericanConnection (the AmericanConnection carrier). As of December 31, 2011, AMR Eagle operated approximately 1,500 daily departures, offering scheduled passenger service to over 175 destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

American, AMR Eagle and the AmericanConnection airline served more than 250 cities in approximately 50 countries with, on average, 3,400 daily flights and the combined network fleet numbered approximately 900 aircraft as of December 31, 2011. American Airlines is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LAN Airlines, Iberia, Qantas, JAL, Malev Hungarian, Mexicana, Royal Jordanian and S7 Airlines. Together, oneworld members serve 750 destinations in approximately 150 countries, with about 8,500 daily departures. American is also one of the scheduled air freight carriers in the world, providing a range of freight and mail services to shippers throughout its system onboard American�� passenger fleet.

To improve access to each other�� markets, American has established marketing relationships with other airlines and rail companies. As of December 31, 2011, American had marketing relationships with Air Berlin, Air Pacific, Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines , British Airways, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern ! A! irlines, Dragonair, Deutsche Bahn German Rail, EL AL, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, GOL, Gulf Air, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetStar Airways, LAN (includes LAN Airlines, LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador and LAN Peru), Niki Airlines, Qantas Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

American has established the AAdvantage frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). AAdvantage members earn mileage credits by flying on American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carrier or by using services of other participants in the AAdvantage program. Mileage credits can be redeemed for free, discounted or upgraded travel on American, American Eagle or other participating airlines, or for other awards. American sells mileage credits and related services to other participants in the AAdvantage program. There are over 1,000 program participants, including a credit card issuer, hotels, car rental companies, and other products an d services companies in the AAdvantage program. As of December 31, 2011, AAdvantage had approximately 69 million total members.

The Company competes with Alaska Airlines (Alaska), Delta Air Lines (Delta), Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways (JetBlue), Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines (Southwest) and AirTran Airways (Air Tran), Spirit Airlines, United Airlines (United) and Continental Airlines (Continental), US Airways and Virgin America Airlines.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Insider Monkey]

  Last but not the least is US Airways Group (LCC), in which Y/Cap slightly increased its position, now owning around $7.9 million. U.S. Airways is currently on the minds of many investors, mainly due to its plans to merge with American Airlines parent AMR Corp (AAMRQ.PK). While European regulators approved the merger, the U.S. Department of Justice put a spoke in the wheel, and is trying to block the move. The companies filed a motion to the court to set the trial date for November 12. Amid these actions, U.S. Airways and American Airlines prolonged the outside date at which one of the companies can terminate the proposed merger.

Verizon Stock, Despite Scandal, Surges With Dow

Having shed more than 100 points by early afternoon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) staged a comeback in its final hours of trading, as Wall Street looks to tomorrow's employment data to gauge the health of the economy. Surprisingly, Verizon's (NYSE: VZ  ) stock was the top gainer in the index, even after The Guardian revealed that the National Security Agency is secretly obtaining the phone records of millions of U.S. Verizon customers. 

The Dow added 80 points, or 0.5%, to close at 15,040. 

Seemingly blind to the outrage surrounding the indiscriminate collection of private citizens' phone usage data, Wall Street bid Verizon's stock 3.5% higher Thursday. To be fair, the company didn't have much of a choice in the matter -- it was ordered by a secret court to provide information like "location data, call duration, unique identifiers, and time and duration of the calls," as well as the phone numbers for both parties, according to The Guardian. Verizon isn't allowed to acknowledge the program exists -- and no, I'm not making this up.

On a less-Orwellian note, Home Depot (NYSE: HD  ) shares shot up 2.9% today. The stock had stumbled 5% in the previous two days, which were both losing sessions for the broader market, as well. While the real estate market's on the mend, Home Depot, meanwhile, is looking for new ways to engage with customers and attract business: The company can send customers 3D layouts of kitchen designs, and is even engaging with some users via video chat.

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE  ) added 2.3% Thursday after CEO Ian Read conveyed to the Financial Times US Healthcare Conference a willingness to partner with rival companies to develop and market breakthrough treatments. As Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies deal with the unpleasantries resulting from the "patent cliff," the willingness to partner with competitors offers another source of otherwise unavailable revenue. 

Lastly, Chevron (NYSE: CVX  ) , one of just six blue chip decliners, fell 0.8% on Thursday. The energy titan is working toward a deal with Argentina's YPF to develop the Vaca Muerta basin, thought to be one of the two or three largest shale oil and gas reservoirs in the world. But with all that potential reward comes some geopolitical risk, and a hefty investment, which could approach $15 billion in time.

Profiting from our increasingly global economy can be as easy as investing in your own backyard. The Motley Fool's free report, "3 American Companies Set to Dominate the World," shows you how to invest in these powerhouses -- powerhouses that don't even secretly collect your information on behalf of the government! Click here to get your free copy before it's gone.

TIAA-CREF in $6.25B deal to buy Nuveen Investments

In a deal that reshuffles the mutual fund space, TIAA-CREF said Monday it had agreed to acquire Nuveen Investments Inc. for $6.25 billion from a group led by private-equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners.

The deal is the largest transaction in the asset management business since 2006 and is a major coup for TIAA-CREF, an asset manager with $569 billion under management and roots as a major retirement servicer for nonprofit organizations such as universities and hospitals.

5 Best Sliver Stocks To Own Right Now

The acquisition deepens TIAA-CREF's investment expertise and distribution capabilities in the adviser-sold market for mutual funds, given Nuveen's deep relationships with broker-dealers and financial planners, according to industry consultant Geoffrey H. Bobroff.

“It's a significant step for TIAA-CREF, which has not been known to be an acquirer,” said Mr. Bobroff. “It is a distribution play.”

Nuveen, which has its roots in municipal bonds, brings some $221 billion in assets and an entrenched brand in mutual funds. Through the years, the company has acquired boutiques and worked to expand its expertise in areas such as equities and commodities. The business includes one of the largest sponsors of closed-end funds, as well as $54 billion in open-end mutual funds and offerings in separately managed accounts.

Madison Dearborn was the lead buyer in the $5.75 billion deal in 2007.

What TIAA-CREF's acquisition of Nuveen means for financial advisers

MSFT on Cloud 9.

Since last year Microsoft (MSFT) has seen a surge in its share prices. The financial reports and other releases by the company show that the tech-giant has seen a surge by almost 39% in its share prices and that too over the last 12 months. This has also outperformed an 18% return in the S&P 500 index.

In a market where cloud computing rules the scene, more and more software and IT companies are actively developing and marketing cloud-based offerings. Microsoft too isn't far behind and has recently developed Office 365 and Azure. Both these cloud platforms are set to make Microsoft's run smooth in the market. The company is now in the early stage of transitioning its Office customer base into Office 365, which is offered through a software-as-a-service model.

If we look at the sale of Office 365, we find that it continues to ramp up. On the Azure front, momentum continues to be strong as the public cloud service has been recently launched in China, making Microsoft the first global public cloud services provider serving the country, where the growth of the public cloud business is estimated to exceed the global average. This apart, the company has also announced a series of new features added onto Azure which would improve integration and configuration of the offerings, making the product more user-friendly to developers. Microsoft has been very generous when it comes to paying out investors. The company has generated an annual operating cash flow margin of at least 33% on a year-on-year basis.

Recent press releases show that MSFT trades at 123.9x consensus estimated 2015 EPS, compared to the S&P 500's forward 2015 P/E multiple of 15.8x.

The analysts have rated the MSFT stock a buy. The company's consensus long-term earnings growth estimate of 8.5% is fairly close to the average estimate of 9.0% for S&P 500 companies. The stock offers a 2.8% dividend yield, compared to the S&P 500's average at just 1.9%, and the price is supported by potential large share buybacks.

Given the way the company has performed, I expect the stocks to see a further surge. This will not only improve the cash flow generation but also increase the ROI. I'd encourage the investors to invest in MSFT.

Currently 0.00/512345 Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes)

Subscribe via Email Subscribe RSS Comments Bigal421 - 1 hour ago

Don't you think the 8.3 billion shares outstanding is a bit much.

Please leave your comment:
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Here's What Investing Giant George Soros Has Been Buying

Every quarter, many money managers have to disclose what they've bought and sold, via "13F" filings. Their latest moves can shine a bright light on smart stock picks.

George Soros is known to some folks these days for his politics and philanthropy, but his fame stems from his wealth, which is a result of his outstanding investing prowess. He founded Soros Fund Management back in 1973, and under its umbrella, the Quantum funds racked up an amazing record, reportedly averaging close to 20% annual growth over four decades . He has noted, though, that hedge funds can't beat the market due to fees.

As The New York Times has explained, "His huge gains have come from macro bets, which aim to profit from global economic trends by trading currencies, commodities, bonds and other securities. Mr. Soros made his name, however, betting on currencies."

The company's reportable stock portfolio totaled $8.6 billion in value as of March 31, 2013.

Interesting developments
So what does Soros's latest quarterly 13F filing tell us? Here are a few interesting details:

The biggest new holdings include MeadWestvaco and Brocade Communications Systems. Other new holdings of interest include Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU  ) and Cheniere Energy (NYSEMKT: LNG  ) . Baidu has seen its stock fall about 17% over the past year, partly due to China's economic growth slowing. Baidu's last earnings report was disappointing (despite many impressive numbers), but its long-term prospects remain solid, as much of China and Asia has yet to get online. Still, it does have serious competition. One of the company's latest moves is expanding into video.

Cheniere stock has more than doubled over the past year, on great expectations for its planned liquid natural gas (LNG) export terminal. Cheniere is facing greater competition lately, though, as more companies seek approval to transport natural gas to nations without free trade agreements with the U.S. Exporting a lot of gas could result in rising prices for it here at home, by the way.

Among holdings in which Soros Fund Management increased its stake was Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SRPT  ) . Sarepta has seen its stock soar more than eightfold over the past year, and some still see it as undervalued. Its stock fell a while back on news that after Sarepta petitioned the FDA for accelerated approval for its Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug, eteplirsen, the FDA requested more information. Management is optimistic about its recent interactions with the FDA, though.

A more recent holding announcement for Soros is a big stake in struggling retailer J.C. Penney. The share purchases were announced in April, while the latest 13F filing only reflects activity in the quarter ended on March 31. Some of our analysts suggest that buying the retailer might be like lighting money on fire.

Soros Fund Management reduced its stake in lots of companies, including Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU  ) , which is trading near its 52-week high lately. Its advocates see growth in tablets and smartphones driving demand for memory chips, though a sputtering PC market isn't helpful. Bulls liked its second-quarter earnings report, too, which featured lower costs and rising margins that hinted at a return to profitability soon. Micron's purchase of Japanese manufacturer Elpida also seems promising, boosting its capacity and its relationship with Apple. Bears worry about Micron losing market share, though, and don't like the commoditization of memory or Micron's debt.

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Finally, Soros's biggest closed positions included JPMorgan Chase and General Electric. Other closed positions of interest include RF Micro Devices (NASDAQ: RFMD  ) , which specializes in high-performance radio-frequency technology. The company received an analyst upgrade in March, due to its successful diversification away from Nokia and its profitable growing presence in Samsung and Apple devices. Since then, the stock has hit a 52-week high, and some are hoping that it will do a lot of business in China. Its recently reported fourth quarter featured revenue up 49% over year-ago levels, but its free cash flow has been falling, while net income has also shrunk.

We should never blindly copy any investor's moves, no matter how talented the investor. But it can be useful to keep an eye on what smart folks are doing. 13-F forms can be great places to find intriguing candidates for our portfolios.

Regardless of your short-term view on the Chinese economy, there may be opportunity in Baidu (a.k.a. the "Chinese Google"). The Motley Fool's brand-new premium report breaks down the dominant Chinese search provider's strengths and weaknesses. Just click here to access it now.