Sen. Harkin Floats Bill to Help Charities, Co-Ops Offer Pensions

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced legislation Tuesday that would make it easier for charities and cooperatives to continue to offer pensions to their employees.

The bipartisan bill, the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act of 2013 (S. 1302), co-sponsored by Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Ark.; and Al Franken, D-Minn., would ensure that charitable and cooperative associations are not swept into the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) funding rules, “which would require them to divert funds from critical services and jeopardize their ability to provide pension benefits to their workers,” Harkin said.  

Harkin introduced the bill at a hearing titled Pooled Retirement Plans: Closing the Retirement Plan Coverage Gap for Small Businesses. He explained that many charities and co-ops provide their employees with retirement benefits through defined benefit multiple-employer pension plans (CSEC plans), which allow small, community-focused employers to pool their resources to achieve economies of scale otherwise only available to large employers.

Pooled retirement plans are also known as multi-employer plans.

Harkin noted that although CSEC plans have operated successfully for decades, they are poised to become subject to PPA, “which would threaten the ability of many nonprofit employers to continue to offer pension benefits.”

Since enactment of PPA in 2006, “it has become increasingly apparent that the PPA funding rules remain inappropriate for the unique structure of CSEC plan,” Harkin said.

When Congress passed PPA, which fundamentally changed the way most pension plans are funded in order to protect participants and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., Harkin continued, “it recognized that the new rules were not necessarily appropriate for rural cooperative multiple employer defined benefit plans because, by design, the plans pose little risk that they will be unable to pay benefits.”

Consequently, Congress granted the plans a temporary exemption from PPA, which was later broadened to include eligible charities by the Pension Relief Act of 2010. “Without congressional action, the temporary exemption will expire and CSEC plans will be forced to comply with PPA funding rules,” he said. “That will result in many small, nonprofit employers being unable to continue to provide pension benefits to middle-class families.”

Harkin also noted that he plans to release likely this summer legislation that he has been working on to provide universal access to pension plans via Universal, Secure and Adaptable (USA) Retirement Funds.

Harkin said his plan is two-pronged: along with offering the USA funds, it would raise Social Security benefits by $65 per month.

But Harkin said he’s also “committed to making the system work better for employers that are already offering good pension benefits to their employees.”

The nation faces a retirement income deficit—the difference between what workers have saved for retirement and what they should have saved—which is estimated to be at least $6.6 trillion, Harkin said.

Plus, half of Americans have less than $10,000 in savings, he said. “Most people simply are not saving enough for retirement," he said, "and the dream of a secure retirement is growing more and more remote for middle-class families.”

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Check out Median Retirement Balance Is $3,000 for All Working-Age Households on AdvisorOne.

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now

Las Vegas is easily America's city that is most synonymous with recreational risk-taking. Atlantic City, especially for those on the East Coast, has also long been known as a place to take a chance on blackjack or drop coins in a slot machine. But in truth, the United States is dotted with gambling havens from coast to coast. With tax rates up to 40%, these businesses can generate hundreds of millions in state revenues.

We decided to look at the states with the most revenue from commercial gambling in 2012. Some of the 13 states that made our list won't surprise you. Others, such as Iowa, may.

The numbers do not include tribal gaming, because The National Indian Gaming Association does not publish state-by-state revenue, though revenue on all Native lands combined was $27 billion in 2013. Including all of the money tribal casinos generate would place California and Connecticut among the top markets for gambling in the U.S., and onto this list.

Top 10 Net Payout Yield Stocks For 2015: Vitamin Blue Inc (VTMB)

Vitamin Blue, Inc. (Vitamin Blue), incorporated on May 25, 1999, is engaged in designing, manufacturing and distributing surf wear board shorts, t-shirts and fleece jackets) and surfing accessories (surf boards bags, roof rack pad and surf backpacks). The Company focuses on four types of retail outlets: surfboard manufacturers, surf shops, specialty stores and department stores. Vitamin Blue distributes the majority of its products through surfboard manufacturers and surf shops. The primary focus of Vitamin Blue is surf wear and surfing accessories. The Company�� primary distribution focuses on retail outlets in North America (the United States, Canada and Mexico). Vitamin Blue manufactures most of its surfing accessories and all of its surfwear in-house.

Surfboard Manufacturers

The Company�� surfboard manufactures retail outlet generally consists of single shops, where surfboards are designed, manufactured and marketed. It is the source for surfing accessories. This distribution channel focuses on the core surf market. The Company has relationships with manufacturers, such as Hap Jacobs, Bing Surfboards, Bark Boards and Ron House Shapes, Dewey Weber, Stewart Surfboards. Vitamin Blue surfing accessories are sold through this channel.

Surf Shops

The Company�� surf shops are generally single to multiple shops located in or near beach cities, focused on the central surf market. It tends to be privately owned. Surf shops also focus on the core surf market and provide an authentic retail source for complete lines of surfwear and surfing accessory products. The Company has relationships with manufacturers, such as Freeline Design (Santa Cruz, California), The Frog House (Newport Beach, California), Infinity Surfboards (Dana Point, California), Legends Surf (Carlsbad, California), Hi-Tech Surf Sports (Maui, Hawaii), Second Wind Sail and Surf (Maui, Hawaii), Hawaiian Island Surf and Sport (Maui, Hawaii) Kennedy Surfboards (Woodland Hills, California),! Malibu Surf Shack, (Malibu, California), E.T. Surf (Hermosa Beach, California), Spyder (Hermosa Beach, California), Costa Azul (Laguna Beach, California), Icons of Surf (San Clemente, California), Encinitas Surfboards (Encinitas, California), Nor Easter Surf Shop (Scituate, Massachusetts), Air & Speed Surf Shop (Montauk, New York), Xtreme Surf & Sport (East Northport, New York) and Marsh�� Surf Shop (Atlantic Beach, North Carolina). The complete line of Vitamin Blue products (surfwear and surfing accessories) is distributed through this channel.

Specialty Stores

The Company�� specialty stores type of retail outlet generally consists of single, regional and nationwide stores, and tends to be located in or near beach or resort communities, shopping centers, and shopping malls. Specialty stores distributing surf products primarily include tourist/vacation shops, sporting good stores (including Sports Chalet, Inc. - SPCHB), and regional and national retail stores (including Pacific Sunwear of California-PSUN and Zumiez, Inc.-ZUMZ). Vitamin Blue intends to use this type of retail outlet to distribute its surfwear.

Department Stores

The Company�� department stores type of retail outlet generally has stores located nationwide. It is located in shopping malls, such as Bloomingdale��, Macy��, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. Vitamin Blue intends to use this type of retail outlet to distribute its surfwear.

Vitamin Blue�� surfing accessories include surfboard travel bags, which offer surfboard protection and can be used daily or for long distance surf trips; surf gear travel bags, which are duffle bags used to carry surfing essentials on surf trips; surf backpacks, which are specially, designed wet bag backpacks for wetsuit storage, and roof-rack pads, which is used on existing car roof racks for surfboard protection and security on daily surf outings.

The Company competes with Quicksilver, Inc., Billabong Intl, Hurley and! Volcom I! nc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Green Endeavors Inc (OTCMKTS: GRNE), Global Links Corporation (OTCMKTS: GLCO) and Vitamin Blue Inc (OTCBB: VTMB) were all making noticeable moves at the end of last week. On Friday, Green Endeavors Inc rose 8.11% and Global Links Corporation rose 13.96% while Vitamin Blue Inc fell 10%. Of course, small cap OTC stocks making large single digit or double digit moves in either direction aren�� all that unusual. Moreover, all of these small caps have been the subject of paid promotions. With that in mind, here is a closer look at all three to help you decide on an investing or trading strategy:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap marijuana stocks Smart Ventures Inc (OTCMKTS: SMVR) and Vitamin Blue Inc (OTCMKTS: VTMB) jumped 40.28% and 38.6%, respectively, while hemp stock Astika Holdings Inc (OTCBB: ASKH) fell 13.75% on Friday. Moreover, only one of these small cap stocks seems to have been the subject of a few paid promotions or investor relations types of activities. So will all three of these marijuana or hemp stocks keep producing highs or lows for investors and traders alike? Here is a quick reality check:

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now: Sealand Natural Resources Inc (SLNR)

Sealand Natural Resources Inc. (SLNR), incorporated on May 13, 2011, is a research and new product development company that manufactures, markets and sells new age functional beverages (SealandBirk), organic nutriceuticals, health supplements, medicinal raw materials and health food worldwide. SLNR specializes in research of natural new product development and mass market consumer product distribution. Its Products include Sealand BIRK, Sealand Living and Sealand research and development (R&D). Sealand Living Anew products offer supply of healing nutrients to athletic training.

Anew omega premium is a food supplement consists of shark cartilage powder, fish bone powder, and omega three polyunsaturated fatty acids. Anew omega premium is designed to reduce the decomposition, to stimulate resynthesis of the joint cartilage and to reduce pain. Omega Premium consists of shark cartilage powder, codfish backbone powder, and fish oil powder. Anew nutripeptin is a food supply. Sealand BIRK consists of five flavors original, elderflower, raspberry, blueberry, ginger and lime.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By CRWE]

  Today, SLNR remains (0.00%) +0.000 at $7.23 with 100 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 10:29AM EDT June 24, 2013).

  Sealand Natural Resources Inc. previously reported recent company milestones as of May 31, 2013.

  Lars Poulsen, Chief Executive Officer of Sealand Natural Resources Inc., commented, ��ealand BIRK beverage has made significant progress on a number of important fronts. Sealand BIRK is a ‘first mover,’ in the market place offering a unique organic harvested beverage, packed with micro nutrients, no added sugar, less than 60 calories with health hydration attributes for consumers. In the market today, only extremes are available for consumers, ranging from water to high sugar, high calorie, nutritionally-deficient beverages. We organically harvest and deliver Sealand BIRK beverages for consumers that encourage improved health, while being clear that our products have key differentiating factors that set us apart from the competition.

• [By CRWE]

  Today, SLNR has shed (-0.14%) down -0.01 at $7.27 with 125 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 11:13AM EDT June 28, 2013), but don�� let this get you down.

  Sealand Natural Resources Inc. previously reported recent company milestones as of May 31, 2013.

  Lars Poulsen, Chief Executive Officer of Sealand Natural Resources Inc., commented, ��ealand BIRK beverage has made significant progress on a number of important fronts. Sealand BIRK is a ‘first mover,’ in the market place offering a unique organic harvested beverage, packed with micro nutrients, no added sugar, less than 60 calories with health hydration attributes for consumers. In the market today, only extremes are available for consumers, ranging from water to high sugar, high calorie, nutritionally-deficient beverages. We organically harvest and deliver Sealand BIRK beverages for consumers that encourage improved health, while being clear that our products have key differentiating factors that set us apart from the competition.

• [By CRWE]

  Today, The Company remains (0.00%) +0.000 at $7.35 with 125 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 10:01AM EDT July 22, 2013).

  Sealand Natural Resources Inc. previously reported it has reached a distribution agreement with Nature’s Best.

  Nature’s Best, in business since 1969, is the largest privately owned wholesaler-distributor of health and natural food products in the Natural Products Industry. Nature’s Best provides a full-line of Certified Organic, Natural and Specialty products to retail stores throughout the Central, Southern and Western U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Asia. Nature’s Best specializes in Retail Marketing Support, Web Services, Business Analysis Tools and Sales/Category Management Consulting.

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now: Bowl America Inc (BWL.A)

Bowl America Incorporated, incorporated in July 22, 1958, is engaged in the entertainment business. The Company operates in one segment. Its principal source of revenue consists of fees charged for the use of bowling lanes and other facilities and from the sale of food and beverages for consumption on the premises. Merchandise sales, including food and beverages, were approximately 30% of operating revenues. The balance of operating revenues (approximately 70%) represents fees for bowling and related services. During the fiscal year ended July, 1 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries operated 19 bowling centers. These 19 bowling centers contain a total of 756 lanes. As of September 1, 2012 the Company and its subsidiaries operated 10 bowling centers in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., one bowling center in the metropolitan area of Baltimore, Maryland, one bowling center in Orlando, Florida, three bowling centers in the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, Florida, and four bowling centers in the metropolitan area of Richmond, Virginia.

These establishments are air-conditioned with facilities for service of food and beverages, game rooms, rental lockers, and meeting room facilities. All centers provide shoes for rental, and bowling balls are provided free. In addition, each center retails bowling accessories. Most locations are equipped for glow-in-the-dark bowling, popular for parties and non-league bowling. The bowling equipment essential for the Company's operation is readily available. Two of the Company's bowling centers are located in leased premises, and the remaining seventeen centers are owned by the Company.

The Company competes with Brunswick Corporation and AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Fredrik Arnold]

  The balance of the top ten included one technology firm, AT&T Inc. (T) in fourth place; one consumer goods, Altria Group Inc. (MO), placed fifth; Bowl America Class A (BWL.A) in seventh place was the lone service dog. Two utilities, Northwest Natural Gas (NWN), and Consolidated Edison (ED), in ninth and tenth places completed the representation of market sectors in the champions index.

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now: Callaway Golf Co (ELY)

Callaway Golf Company, incorporated on May 7, 1999, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures and sells golf clubs (drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters) and golf balls, and also sells golf accessories (such as golf bags, golf gloves, headwear, towels, umbrellas and travel gear) under the Callaway Golf and Odyssey brand names. The Company sells pre-owned golf products through its Website, www.callawaygolfpreowned.com. In addition, it sells Callaway Golf and Odyssey products direct to consumers online through its Websites shop.callawaygolf.com and www.odysseygolf.com. The Company also licenses its trademarks and service marks in exchange for a royalty fee to third parties for use on golf related accessories, including apparel, footwear, eyewear, rangefinders and practice aids. Its products are sold in the United States and in approximately 100 countries around the world.

The Company designs, manufactures and sells golf clubs and golf balls, and designs and sells golf accessories. The Company�� products are designed for golfers of all skill levels, both amateur and professional. The Company�� principal products include Drivers, Fairway Woods and Hybrids; Irons; Putters; Golf Balls, and Accessories, Softgoods and Other. Drivers, Fairway Woods and Hybrids product category includes sales of the Company�� drivers, fairway woods and hybrid products, which are sold under the Callaway Golf brand. Irons include sales of the Company�� irons and wedges, which are sold under the Callaway Golf brand. Putters include sales of the Company�� putters, which are sold under the Odyssey brand. Golf Balls includes sales of the Company�� golf balls, which are sold under the Callaway Golf and Strata brands. Accessories, Softgoods and Other includes sales of golf bags, golf gloves, golf footwear, rangefinders, golf apparel, packaged club sets, headwear, towels, umbrellas, eyewear and other accessories, as well as sales of pre-owned products through www.callawaygolfpre! owned.com. Additionally, this product category includes royalties from licensing of the Company�� trademarks and service marks on products such as golf apparel, golf footwear, rangefinders and practice aids.

The Company competes with TaylorMade, Ping, Acushnet, Puma, SRI Sports Limited, Mizuno, Bridgestone, and Nike.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Greg Pugh] Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY) has forged a reputation as a leader in golf equipment innovation. However, the company started sliding in 2008 due to recession, while the brand image fell as well. US industry golf sales hit a floor and flattened just above $1.8 billion between 2009 and 2011, but have started to rebound in the last two years.
• [By Jeff Reeves]

  Callaway Golf (ELY) is the ultimate consumer discretionary play, since its drivers and golf bags are hardly something people splurge on when times are tough. However, consumer spending continues to improve and the hopes of a decent Christmas shopping season and strong 2014 could bode well for Callaway.

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now: Nikon Corp (NINOF)

NIKON CORPORATION is mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of image and video equipment. The Company operates in four business segments. The Precision Equipment segment offers semiconductor exposure apparatus and liquid crystal (LC) exposure apparatus. The Image segment provides digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, compact digital cameras and interchangeable lens. The Instruments segment offers microscopes, measuring machines and semiconductor inspection equipment. The Others segment provides LC photomask substrates and optical components. As of March 31, 2013, the Company has 87 subsidiaries and 10 associated companies. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- With the yen holding on to its gains and investors cautious as earnings season kicks off, Japanese stocks slid lower Friday after closing the previous day with some late-session gains. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) fell 0.9% to 14,358.28, with the Topix down 0.8%, as the dollar bought 97.36 yen, little changed from 24 hours earlier. The relatively strong yen weighed on some names with high global exposure, as Sharp Corp. (JP:6753) (SHCAF) lost 1%, Pioneer Corp. (JP:6773) (PNCOF) dropped 1.6%, and Bridgestone Corp. (JP:5108) (BRDCF) fell 1.2%. An outlook cut from Canon Inc. (JP:7751) (CAJ) helped send its shares down 1%, while rival Nikon Corp. (JP:7731) (NINOF) lost 1.8%, though Olympus Corp. (JP:7733) (OCPNF) gained 1%. Telecoms were weak, with Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) falling 2.5%, KDDI Corp. (JP:9433) (KDDIF) down 1.7%, and NTT DoCoMo Inc. (JP:9437) (NTDMF)

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks opened lower Thursday, as gains for the yen and losses for Wall Street conspired to drive the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) down 1.2% to 15,333.35, extending Wednesday's 0.6% loss. The Topix fell 0.7%, with the U.S. dollar (USDJPY) slipping to 102.46 yen, down from around 楼102.80 at the start of the previous session, but off its lows in late Wednesday trade. Electronics firms and other techs helped lead the loss, with Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) falling 1.4%, Nikon Corp. (JP:7731) (NINOF) off 2.4%, and Alps Electric Co. (JP:6770) 1.8% lower. The Nikkei Asian Review reported Thursday that Japan looked set to post its first trade deficit for electronics goods this year. Shares of Yahoo Japan Corp. (JP:4689) (YAHOF) lost 1.4%, even as Bloomberg reported the firm was offering its stake in market-research firm Macromill Inc. (JP:3730) to U.S. private-equity firm Bain Capital at a premium to its most recent close. Shares of Macromill were untraded. Among gainers, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (JP:9432) (NTT) rose 2.1%, following a 1.1% gain for its U.S.-listed shares.

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now: Life Time Fitness Inc (LTM)

Life Time Fitness, Inc., incorporated on October 15, 1990, operates multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment. As of February 28, 2013, the Company operated 105 centers under the LIFE TIME FITNESS and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC SM brands primarily in suburban locations in 28 major markets in the United States and Canada. The Company�� model centers target 7,500 to 11,000 memberships by offering, on average, 114,000 square feet of multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation, spa amenities and programs and services in a resort-like environment. Life Time programs include a range of interest areas, such as group fitness, yoga, swimming, running, racquetball, squash, tennis, Pilates, martial arts, kids activities and camps, adult activities and leagues, rock climbing, cycling, basketball, personal training, weight loss and nutrition initiatives, spa, medi-spa and chiropractic services. Life Time program offerings may vary by location. Effective August 28, 2012, MGC Diagnostics Corporation sold the assets of its New Leaf business to the Company.

The Company's offerings also include the Company's line of nutritional products and supplements, and its magazine, Experience Life. The Company also has an Athletic Events division, which offers more than 100 events each year, including running, cycling and triathlon events from entry-level to ultra-endurance. Additionally, the Company offers a portfolio of health assessments to its members at its centers, as well as employees at corporate clients, along with partnerships with health insurance companies. The Company offers different types of membership plans for individuals, couples and families. The Company's memberships include the primary member's children under the age of 12 at a modest per child monthly cost. The Company provides the majority of its members with a variety of services with their membership, including group fitness classes and fitness asse! ssments, towel and locker service and an online subscription to its magazine, Experience Life. The Company's membership plans include initial 14-day money back guarantees and are month-to-month, cancelable by giving up to 60 days advance notice. The Company's ancillary businesses include media, athletic events and related services, health promotion programs and training and certification programs.

The Company offers one-on-one sessions and small group sessions for individual member and a group of two to four members. The Company offers large group (typically eight to 12 members) programs under its T.E.A.M. platform. The Company's T.E.A.M. Weight Loss program focuses on exercise, education and nutrition and provides the resources and support toward long-term weight loss. The T.E.A.M. Fitness program combines cardio exercise with strength training. The Company's endurance program focuses on training in the proper heart rate zones, for the proper duration of time and at the proper frequency to burn fat more efficiently while improving overall health and fitness. The Company's T.E.A.M. Boot Camp enables members to test their strength, agility and stamina. From time to time, the Company also offers other weight loss and nutrition programs, such as the Life Time 90-Day Weight Loss Challenge, as an opportunity for members to receive education, training and motivation. The Company's centers offer fitness programs, including group fitness classes and health and fitness training seminars on subjects ranging from metabolism to personal nutrition. On average, the Company offers 85 group fitness classes per week at each current model center, including studio cycling, step workout, dance classes, circuit training and fitness yoga classes.

The Company's large format centers feature a Life Cafe, which offers fresh and healthy made-to-order and pre-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner items, including sandwiches, salads, snacks, shakes and more. The Company's Life Cafes offer customers the cho! ice of di! ning indoors, ordering their meals and snacks to go or, in each of the Company's model centers and certain of its other large format centers, dining outdoors at the poolside bistro. Life Cafes also typically offer the Life Time line of nutritional products and supplements, third-party nutritional products, exercise accessories and personal care products. The Company's LifeSpa is a salon and spa. Each in-center LifeSpa offers hair, body, skin care and massage therapy services, customized to each client's individual needs. The Company also offers medi-spa services in select locations. LifeClinic Chiropractic services are provided by licensed chiropractors. LifeClinic Chiropractic offers non-invasive form of soft tissue and joint treatment. The Company's centers offer on-site child centers for children from three months through 11 years of age as part of a monthly fee per child. All of the Company's large format centers offer a variety of additional programs for children, which may include birthday parties, school break camps, parents' night out, sports and fitness classes and swimming lessons. For adults, the Company offers a variety of sports leagues and interest-driven clubs.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company produced over 100 events, serving over 90,000 participants. The Company's events range from entry level to ultra endurance events and draw from local, regional, national and international markets. The Company's larger events include triathlons such as the Life Time Tri Minneapolis and Life Time Tri Chicago, as well as the iconic Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race Across the Sky. The Company produces events primarily in markets in which the Company operates centers, including themed runs such as the Torchlight 5K Run and Turkey Day 5K. The Company offers a line of nutritional products, including Men's and Women 's Performance Multivitamins, Omega-3 Fish oils, Joint Maintenance Formulation, LeanSource Soft Gels, VeganMax, Whey Protein, and FastFuel Complete, its me! al replac! ement product.

The Company competes with 4 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., Equinox Holdings, Inc., LA Fitness International, LLC, Town Sports International, Inc. and Gold's Gym.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  On Thursday, small cap fitness club owner Life Time Fitness, Inc (NYSE: LTM) lost some weight for investors as analysts gave the stock a workout after its Analyst Day failed to ease their concerns, meanings its worth taking a closer look at the stock along with the performance of Town Sports International Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: CLUB)�and Steiner Leisure Ltd (NASDAQ: STNR).

• [By Will Ashworth]

  Activist investor Mick McGuire reported last week that his firm, Marcato Capital, acquired 7.2% of Life Time Fitness (LTM), the Minneapolis-based operator of 110 super-sized fitness centers nationwide. Although LTM stock is up 13% year-to-date through May 28, McGuire believes its stock price can do a lot more.

Hot Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now: Smith & Wesson Holding Corp (SWHC)

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Smith & Wesson), incorporated on June 17, 1991, is a manufacturer of firearms. The Company manufactures a range of handguns, modern sporting rifles, hunting rifles, black powder firearms, handcuffs, and firearm-related products and accessories for sale to a range of customers, including gun enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and globally. It sell its products under the Smith & Wesson brand, the M&P brand, the Thompson/Center brand, and the Walther brand. The Company manufactures its firearm products at its facilities in Springfield, Massachusetts and Houlton, Maine. On July 26, 2012, it sold all of the assets of Smith & Wesson Security Solutions, Inc.

Firearms

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company introduced multiple new handgun and modern sporting rifle models, and one new bolt action rifle platform. The Company's rifle introductions included the addition of the M&P15 300 Whisper to the Company's line of modern sporting rifles. As of April 30, 2012, the Company participated in three categories of the long-gun market and both core categories of the handgun market.

Handguns

The Company manufactures an variety of handgun models that include revolvers and pistols. A revolver is a handgun with a cylinder that holds the ammunition in a series of rotating chambers that are successively aligned with the barrel of the firearm during each firing cycle. There are two general types of revolvers: single-action and double-action. The Company's small-frame revolvers have been carried by law enforcement personnel and personal defense-minded citizens. The Company's revolvers are available in a variety of models and calibers, with applications in virtually all professional and personal markets.

The Company�� M! &P15 Series of modern sporting rifles are designed to satisfy the functionality and reliability needs of global military, law enforcement, and security personnel. These rifles are also popular as sporting target rifles and are sold to consumers through the Company's sporting good distributors, retailers, and dealers. The Company has a range of product portfolio of modern sporting rifles, which includes a lower price-point, sport model, a .22 caliber model, and a fully automatic model designed for the exclusive use of military and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Hunting Firearms

The Company manufactures three lines of bolt-action rifles under its Thompson/Center brand consisting of several models in each line. The Company's hunting rifles are offered in 16 different calibers. Bolt-action rifles operate by the cycling of a bolt handle that allows for both the loading and unloading of rounds through a magazine fed system.

During fiscal 2012, the Company introduced the Dimension bolt action rifle platform. Under the Company's Thompson/Center brand, the Company also offers seven models of American-made single shot black powder, or muzzle loader, firearms. The Company offers eight models of interchangeable, single shot firearm systems that deliver numerous gun, barrel, caliber configurations, and finishes. These systems can be configured as a center-fire rifle, rim-fire rifle, shotgun, black powder firearm, or single-shot handgun for use across the entire range of big- and small-game hunting.

Handcuffs

The Company manufactures handcuffs and restraints in the United States. The Company fabricates these products from the carbon or stainless steel.

Smith & Wesson Academy

Through the Smith & Wesson Academy, the Company offers instruction designed to meet the training needs of law enforcement and security customers worldwide. Classes are conducted at the Company's facility in Springfield, Massachusetts or o! n locatio! n around the world.

Specialty Services

The Company's services include forging, heat treating, finishing, and plating. It provides services to third-party customers.

The Company competes with Ruger,Taurus, Beretta, Glock, Heckler & Koch, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory, Bushmaster, Rock River, Stag Arms, DPMS, Browning, Marlin, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Weatherby, CVA, Traditions, and Winchester.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: SWHC) reported fiscal third quarter 2014 earnings after markets closed on Tuesday. For the quarter, the gun maker posted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.35 on revenues of $145.9 million. In the same period a year ago, the company reported EPS of $0.26 on revenues of $136.24 million. Third-quarter results compare to the Thomson Reuters consensus estimate for EPS of $0.29 on $142.7 million in revenues.

4 Homebuilders on Sale - Investment Ideas

It has been a roller coaster ride for homebuilders the last several years. A spectacular boom in the housing market was followed by a tragic collapse. Not only did prices plummet, but the number of new homes being built plunged to levels around half of what they were in the 1960's - back when the United States had more than 100,000,000 fewer people living in it.After some very dark days, homebuilders finally started to see some signs of life in 2012. You can see a solid rebound in the number of new housing starts recently: In May 2013, new housing starts ran at an annualized rate of around 900,000. But many experts believe that in order to simply keep up with population growth, around 1,500,000 new housing units are needed annually. This means that the rebound in new home construction could very well be in its early stages.But someone forgot to tell that to Mr. Market.Rates Rise, Housing Stocks FallHomebuilding stocks had been among the best performing group of stocks since early 2012. But when the Federal Reserve mentioned publicly that it could start tapering the amount of mortgage backed securities and Treasury notes it has been buying later this year, long-term interest rates rose in a hurry - and homebuilders took a big hit.This rise in the 10-year T-note yield has led to higher mortgage rates - and a big drop in mortgage applications. In the latest survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Market Composite Index, which is a measure of mortgage loan application volume, fell 23% year-over-year. Ouch.But this could just be a temporary reaction to rising rates. If interest rates at least level off here for a while - which I believe they will considering that the Fed may hold off on tapering QE - then my guess is that mortgage loan application volume will pick back up as buyers come off ! the sidelines. It's worth noting that the yield on the 10-year T-note has already pulled back 17 basis points from its recent high amid talks of postponing "tapering".Strong Earnings MomentumFrom an earnings momentum perspective, homebuilders are among the best. The 'Building - Residential / Commercial' industry currently ranks 8th out of the 265 industries that Zacks ranks. That puts it in the top 3%. The overall increase in demand for new homes has meant that many homebuilders have been able to reduce incentives and even raise prices while leveraging their fixed expenses. This has led to significant earnings growth in the industry and significantly higher earnings estimates from analysts.Nonetheless, many homebuilders are still trading well below their "pre-taper" highs, despite the recent pullback in interest rates. If you believe that the long-term trend in new housing starts remains in tact, then this could be a wonderful long-term buying opportunity.4 Homebuilders on SaleSo which homebuilders look the most attractive following their recent selloff? Here are 4:MDC Holdings (MDC) MDC Holdings is a homebuilder that has been building under the name "Richmond American Homes" for 40 years. It primarily operates in the Western and Mountain regions of the United States with some exposure in the Eastern United States. Over the last 4 quarters, MDC has delivered an average earnings beat of 74%. It is currently a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock.Despite the strong earnings momentum, shares of MDC are down more nearly 20% since Bernanke first hinted at tapering on May 22. This has driven valuations to very attractive levels. Shares of MDC are trading at just 13x 12-month forward earnings, a discount to the industry median of 16x. While shares may remain volatile over the coming months, the recent pullback could prove to be a great opportunity for long-term investors.D.R. Horton (DHI) D.R. Horton is the largest homebuilder in the United States with operations in 78 markets in 27 states. The company has deliver! ed 6 cons! ecutive positive earnings surprises, prompting analysts to revise their estimates significantly higher for D.R. Horton over the last several months. It is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock.Shares of DHI are also down about 20% since May 22, which has led to attractive valuations. The stock currently trades around 14x forward earnings, which is less than the industry median of 16x. Given the favorable long-term industry trends here, this could be a good time to get in.Ryland Group (RYL) Ryland Group is a homebuilder headquartered in southern California with a market cap of $1.9 billion. Consensus earnings estimates have risen significantly higher over the last several months as it has delivered 3 consecutive positive earnings surprises. It is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock.Despite strong earnings momentum and growth prospects, shares of RYL are down almost 20% since May 22. But the stock is now trading at just 12x forward earnings. Investors willing to live with some volatility in hopes of strong capital gains should consider RYL.PulteGroup (PHM)PulteGroup is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and operates in 60 markets across the United States. This homebuilder has been crushing earnings estimates too with an average earnings beat of 59% over the last 4 quarters. Consensus estimates have risen sharply over that stretch, sending the stock to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).Shares of PHM currently trade at 14x forward earnings as the stock has fallen more than -17% since May 22. But given the strong fundamentals here, this seems like an overreaction.The Bottom LineRising rates may have put a damper on the housing market. But this is likely to be just a temporary slowdown, especially when you consider that the Fed has been discussing holding off on tapering for a while. For the long-term investor, the recent selloff in homebuilders could present a great buying opportunity.Todd Bunton is the Growth & Income Stock Strategist for Zacks Investment Research and Editor of the Income Plus Invest! or servic! e.Want More of Our Best Recommendations? Zacks Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Then each week he hand-selects the most compelling trades and serves them up to you in a new program called Zacks Confidential.Learn More>>

Tuesday’s ETF Chart To Watch: EWA In Focus After Aussie ...

Best European Companies To Watch For 2015

Investors kicked off the trading week on a bearish note as profit taking pressures swept in following the markets' run-up to all-time-highs last week. The bulls got a whiff of better-than-expected data after ISM nonmanufacturing results came in above last month's reading, however, hawkish comments from Dallas Fed official Fisher stole the headlines; Fisher reiterated that markets have become too accustomed to the Fed serving as a "lifeline" and that scaling back on bond repurchases should be expected .

Our chart to watch for the day is the iShares MSCI Australia ETF which will look to resume its rebound following the latest Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate decision. Analysts are largely expecting for the RBA to cut rates to 2.50% from 2.75% currently, although the commentary after the decision itself may spark a different reaction among traders in the currency market.

Chart AnalysisConsider EWA's one-year daily performance chart below. This ETF has staged an encouraging rebound over the past month following its steep correction since  it peaked at $28.15 a share in late April of this year. EWA has snapped back higher in recent weeks as bargain shoppers have started to pile into this beat down foreign equity fund; despite the potential for a trend reversal here, it's worth noting that EWA remains in a downtrend, and as such, we advise utilizing a tight stop-loss for those eager to jump in long .

Click to EnlargeIn addition to the intermediate-term downtrend at hand, EWA is also rubbing right against its 50-day moving average (blue line), which it failed to summit last week .

OutlookIf the latest commentary from the RBA following the rate decision strikes an optimistic tone with investors, EWA should have the wind at its back; in terms of upside, this ETF must settle above stiff resistance at the $24 level. On the f! lip side, a discouraging economic outlook will likely sink Australian stocks; in terms of downside, EWA has immediate support around $23 a share followed by the $22 level. As always, investors of all experience levels are advised to use stop-loss orders and practice disciplined profit-taking techniques.

Follow me on Twitter @SBojinov

Disclosure: No positions at time of writing.

At the Open: Dow Industrials Off 130 Points as Shutdown Looms; International Paper Drops 2% on Merrill Lynch Downgrade

When little orphan Annie sang, “Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, you’re only a day away,” I don’t think this is what she had in mind.

Associated Press

The U.S. government will shut down tomorrow, unless the House and the Senate, which continue to toss budget bills back and forth, reach a compromise. That fact has caused stocks to tumble this morning, prolonging the pain of last week’s drop. The S&P 500 has fallen 0.7% to 1,679.28 at 10:08 a.m., while the Dow Jones Industrials have dropped 0.8%, or 128 points, to 15,130.61.

Newedge USA’s Robbert van Batenburg explains the situation:

Today the fight over the Continuing Resolution to keep the Federal government funded comes down to the wire. If Congress doesn’t strike a deal today, the nonessential functions of the Federal government start shutting down at midnight.

The Senate reconvenes at 2pm today and to vote on the most recent House bill. This bill passed the House Saturday and leaves the government funded for 70 days but calls for 1-yr delay of Obamacare. Defeat of this bill is likely at which point Republicans in the House of Representatives will need to form a new bill to avert a government shutdown.

The Lindsey Group’s Peter Boockvar looked at what happened the last time the government closed:

To look at the past for some current market guidance, the two government shutdowns in 1995-1996 had almost no impact on equity markets. The first shutdown lasted from November 13th to the 19th and the S&P's were up 4 pts. After the temporary fix ended and the government shut down for a 2nd time from Friday December 15th 1995 to January 6th 1996, the market fell 1.5% on Monday December 18th but ended January 6th little changed from its close on December 15th. Of course the circumstances are much different today in many ways but markets should assume that a deal will come sooner rather than later because the negative consequences get too large the longer this all lasts, particularly with the debt ceiling.

Belus Capital Advisors Brian Sozzi notes signs of investor complacency in sector performance. He writes:

Shares of consumer staples (the old standby "defensives", although I have long thought in an economic pullback U.S. households trade down to private label) and dollar stores (exposed to an earnings growth rate acceleration amid a crumbling consumption backdrop) continue to track (aka "correlate") with the major equity indices. This is investors showing me front and center that portfolios continue to be overweight economic recovery (aka cyclicals and industrials; the latter deserves some froth removal considering two weeks of consolidation in European indices) plays rather than the defensive companies that stand to benefit from a less prosperous economic climate. In my view, the market logging losses in six of the last seven sessions is the initial realization on the part of strategists that portfolios are ill-prepared for near-term volatility…

Tomorrow indeed.

Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) has dropped 3% to $47.45 after the company reported a profit of 36 cents, below forecasts of 49 cents.

Omnova Solutions (OMN) has fallen 3.8% to $8.36 after it said it earned 19 cents a share, missing forecasts of 22 cents.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) has gained 1.6% to $425.84 after it was upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight by Morgan Stanley, while Panera Bread (PNRA) has fallen 1.7% to $161.25 after the investment bank downgraded it to Equal Weight from Overweight.

International Paper (IP) has fallen 2.1% to $44.47 after it was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Merrill Lynch.

Best Telecom Stocks For 2015

Best Telecom Stocks For 2015: Softbank Corp (SFTBF)

SOFTBANK CORP. is a Japan-based company that provides digital information services. The Company has six business segments. The Mobile Communication segment provides cellular phone services and sells attached cellular phone terminals. The Broadband and Infrastructure segment provides high-speed Internet access services, Internet protocol (IP) phone service, and contents. The Fixed Communication segment provides transmission services for audio and data, as well as exclusive line and data center services. The Internet Culture segment is engaged in the Internet advertising, broadband portal and auction businesses. The Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) segment sells personal computers (PCs), peripheral devices and software for PC use, as well as provides business-to-business and business-to-customer e-commerce services. The Others segment is involved in the broadcasting media, technology service, media marketing and overseas fund businesses.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Inman]

  Shares in Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) one of the largest constituents on the Nikkei Average fell 2.2% after The Wall Street Journal reported that the firms Sprint (S) unit is considering a takeover of its smaller rival T-Mobile US (TMUS) , with a bid potentially coming in the first half of 2014.

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks inched downward Wednesday, with action quiet as most other Asian markets were closed for the Christmas holiday. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) eased 0.1% to 15,874.40, with the Topix 0.2% lower, failing to get a bump from gains i! n Wall Street's abbreviated session Tuesday. Shares of Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) slipped 0.3%, showing little reaction to an article in the Nikkei Asian Review saying that previously reported plans by the firm to buy T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS) through its newly acquired Sprint (S) unit would value the transaction at more than 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) and would take place as early as next spring. Seven & I Holdings Co. (JP:3382) (SVNDF) , operators of the 7-Eleven convenience-store chain, rose 0.5% as a separate Nikkei report said it planned to pay about 楼5 billion yen to purchase nearly half of Bals, which runs home-and-kitchen-furnishings retailer Francfranc. On the upside, Renesas Electronics Corp. (JP:6723) (RNECY) rallied 5.3% after suffering a sizeable drop in the previous session.

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks rose Wednesday after a lower open, managing solid gains with most other Asian markets were closed for the Christmas holiday. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) climbed 0.8% to 16,009.99, its first close above the 16,000 level since late 2007. The broader Topix ended with a more modest 0.1% rise. Seven & I Holdings Co. (JP:3382) (SVNDF) , operators of the 7-Eleven convenience-store chain, rose 1.5% as a Nikkei Asian Review report said it planned to pay about 楼5 billion! yen to p! urchase nearly half of Bals, which runs home-and-kitchen-furnishings retailer Francfranc. Chip maker Renesas Electronics Corp. (JP:6723) (RNECY) was a strong performer, rallying 6.5% after suffering a sizeable drop in the previous session. On the downside, shares of Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) fell 0.5%, after a separate article in the Nikkei saying that previously reported plans by the firm to buy T-Mobile US Inc. (TMUS) through its newly acquired Sprint (S) unit would value the transaction at more than 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) and would take place as early as next spring. Auto-maker stocks were mostly higher after trading mixed following the release of Japanese car-sales data for November. Toyota Motor Corp. (JP:7203) (TM) added 0.2%, Honda Motor Co. (JP:7267)

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- With the yen holding on to its gains and investors cautious as earnings season kicks off, Japanese stocks slid lower Friday after closing the previous day with some late-session gains. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) fell 0.9% to 14,358.28, with the Topix down 0.8%, as the dollar bought 97.36 yen, little changed from 24 hours earlier. The relatively strong yen weighed on some names with high global exposure, as Sharp Corp. (JP:6753) (SHCAF) lost 1%, Pioneer Corp. (JP:6773) (PNCOF) ! ! dropped 1.6%, and Bridgestone Corp. (JP:5108) (BRDCF) fell 1.2%. An outlook cut from Canon Inc. (JP:7751) (CAJ) helped send its shares down 1%, while rival Nikon Corp. (JP:7731) (NINOF) lost 1.8%, though Olympus Corp. (JP:7733) (OCPNF) gained 1%. Telecoms were weak, with Softbank Corp. (JP:9984) (SFTBF) falling 2.5%, KDDI Corp. (JP:9433) (KDDIF) down 1.7%, and NTT DoCoMo Inc. (JP:9437) (NTDMF)

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/best-telecom-stocks-for-2015.html

Hot Energy Companies To Own In Right Now

Hot Energy Companies To Own In Right Now: BG Group PLC (BRGYY.PK)

BG Group plc (BG Group), incorporated on December 30, 1998, is a natural gas company. The Company is engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas and oil. he Company operates in two business segments: Exploration and Production (E&P) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The Company manages its business on an integrated basis across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Central and South Asia, and Australia. The Company has interests in more than 20 countries on five continents.

Exploration and Production

E&P consists of exploration, development, production and marketing of hydrocarbons with a focus on natural gas. BG Groups Upstream segment covers exploration and production activities for gas, oil and liquids, plus liquefaction operations associated with integrated LNG projects.

Liquefied Natural Gas

BG Groups LNG activities combine liquefaction and regasification facilities with the purchasing, shippin g, marketing and sale of LNG. The Company has interest in liquefaction facilities in Egypt and Trinidad and Tobago. BG Groups LNG Shipping & Marketing segment covers the purchasing, shipping, marketing and sale of LNG, as well as the Groups interests and capacity in regasification facilities.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Heather Ingrassia]

  On Thursday, August 15, GasLog (GLOG) announced that it had ordered two new 174K cbm Tri-Fuel Diesel Electric LNG carriers from Samsung Heavy Industries. These carriers are expected to be delivered in 2016 which is the same year the company will begin seven-year charters with BG Group (BRGYY.PK) (BRGXF.PK).

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/hot-energy-companies-to-own-in-right-now-2.html

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now

Suppose we filled a jar with slips of paper with the names of biotech companies that have been around for at least 10 years and with a market cap of at $500 million or more written on them. The chances are quite good that if we pulled a random slip of paper out of that jar, the selected biotech's stock performed reasonably well over the last decade. Of course, the concept of survival of the fittest plays a big factor.

Not every biotech we picked would be a winner, though. Even with an incredible run in recent years for biotech stocks in general, several biotech stocks have lagged well behind their peers. Here are three of the worst performing biotech stocks of the last decade.

1. Lexicon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: LXRX  )
Lexicon experienced its heyday in the first few years of the 21st century, but it's pretty much been downhill since then. Shares of the biotech have dropped more than 60% in the past 10 years.

Although it has no commercialized drugs to generate revenue, Lexicon has been able to keep going through the years by forming relationships with larger organizations. For example, Lexicon and Merck (NYSE: MRK  ) have worked together for several years to develop biotherapeutic drugs. The partnership with Merck has netted Lexicon $52.5 million in revenue for development.

10 Best Warren Buffett Stocks To Buy For 2015: L&L Energy Inc.(LLEN)

L&L Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the coal mining, clean coal washing, coal coking, and coal wholesaling businesses in the People?s Republic of China. It involves in producing, processing, and selling metallurgical coke used primarily for steel manufacturing; and crushing coal and washing out soluble sulfur compounds with water or other solvents. The company has four coal mines comprising the DaPuAn, SuTsong, Ping Yi, and DaPing mines; three coal washing plants; one coking facility; and coal wholesale and distribution facilities. It also has a financial interest in the Bowie mine, a thermal coal mine located in Paonia, Colorado. The company provides its products to customers in the steel and the electrical/utility industries, as well as to cement factories. L&L Energy, Inc. sells its products directly and through third-party wholesalers. The company was formerly known as L & L International Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to L&L Energy, Inc. in Jan uary 2010. L&L Energy, Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James E. Brumley]

  Well, as it turns out, the snake that bit L&L Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:LLEN) and Sovereign Lithium Inc. (OTCMKTS:SLCO) didn't end up biting Makism 3D Corp. (OTCMKTS:MDDD). And in retrospect, that's probably how it should be. Indeed, the fact that MDDD didn't even come close to suffering the same fate as SLCO or LLEN did may be the biggest assurance Makism 3D fans could hope for that the company is everything it says it is.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Breaking news

  Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is investing US$13 million to expand its wheel manufacturing plant in Europe, to meet growing demand for its lightweight, durable, low-maintenance aluminum truck wheels. To read the full news, click here. L & L Energy (NASDAQ: LLEN) announced today that its Special Independent Committee has appointed Mr. Nicholas Chen, Managing Partner at Pamir Law Group, to replace Mr. Mark Bartlett. To read the full news, click here. Five Prime Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FPRX) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced today that they have signed a collaboration agreement for the discovery, development and commercialization of immuno-oncology therapies directed toward targets identified in two undisclosed immune checkpoint pathways using Five Prime's proprietary target discovery platform. To read the full news, click here. First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) on Sunday announced the completion of the 1.3MW(DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at Kitakyushu-shi. Powered by First Solar FS Series 3 Black PV modules, the plant will generate approximately 1,400 MWh of clean and safe solar electricity per year. To read the full news, click here.

  Posted-In: Credit Suisse US Stock FuturesNews Eurozone Futures Global Pre-Market Outlook Markets

• [By James E. Brumley]

  Despite every fiber of my being telling me to not get involved in the schoolyard fight between L&L Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:LLEN) and apparently one of its enemies (that just so happens to have a short/bearish position in LLEN), I find myself unable to not sound off. A sane and unbiased observation has to be injected into the mix here.

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now: Clearwire Corporation(CLWR)

Clearwire Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides fourth generation wireless broadband services in the United States. The company builds and operates mobile broadband networks that offer high-speed mobile Internet and residential Internet access services. It serves retail customers through its CLEAR brand. The company markets its products and services directly to consumers, as well as through cellular retailers, consumer electronics stores, satellite television dealers, and computer sales and repair stores; and through company-operated retail outlets. As of December 31, 2011, it had approximately 1.3 million retail and 9.1 million wholesale subscribers. The company is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Clearwire Corporation is a subsidiary of Sprint HoldCo LLC.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Caroline Bennett]

  Telecom company Clearwire (NASDAQ: CLWR  ) recently revealed its latest budget spreadsheet, and after lackluster results, this may be the company's final quarter among Wall Street stock picks. Clearwire and its largest shareholder, Sprint (NYSE: S  ) may soon be great investment opportunities... for another company.

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now: Tropicana Entertainment Inc (TPCA)

Tropicana Entertainment Inc. (TEI) is an owner and operator of regional casino and entertainment properties located in the United States and one casino resort development located on the island of Aruba. TEI�� United States properties include three casinos in Nevada, three casinos in Mississippi, and one casino in each of Indiana, Louisiana and New Jersey. Its properties offer a range of gaming options. TEI�� properties include Tropicana AC in the East; Casino Aztar in Central; Tropicana Laughlin, River Palms and MontBleu in the West; Lighthouse Point, Jubilee, Belle of Baton Rouge, Horizon Vicksburg and Tropicana Aruba in the South and Other.

Tropicana AC

Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City (Tropicana AC) is situated on a 14-acre site with approximately 660 feet of ocean frontage in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In addition to gaming facilities, the property features The Quarter, a Havana-themed, Las Vegas-style, approximately 200,000 square-foot indoor entertainment and retail center, hosting several restaurants, shops and an IMAX theatre. Other amenities include a 2,000-seat showroom, a full service spa and salon, a health club and indoor pool, a beach and pool bar and approximately 99,000 square feet of meeting and convention space.

Casino Aztar

Casino Aztar Evansville (Casino Aztar) is a casino hotel and entertainment complex in the state of Indiana. Over 60% of Casino Aztar's revenues come from customers within a 50-mile radius. The property's casino operations are located dockside on the three-deck City of Evansville riverboat. Located adjacent to the casino, the Company owns two distinctive hotels: the Casino Aztar Hotel, a 251-room hotel that offers guests a restaurant, conference rooms and banquet facilities; and Le Merigot Hotel, a luxurious 96-room boutique hotel with an upscale martini lounge. A 44,000-square-foot pavilion adjacent to the riverboat features three restaurants, an entertainment lounge, gift shop, coffee shop, pla! yers club and VIP lounge. The District at Casino Aztar includes two restaurants and the Le Merigot Hotel. Casino Aztar also includes a seven-story parking garage, as well as surface parking.

Tropicana Laughlin

Tropicana Laughlin Hotel and Casino (Tropicana Laughlin) is located on an approximately 31-acre site on Casino Drive, Laughlin. The casino at Tropicana Laughlin features a gaming floor. Non-gaming amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, seven restaurants, three full service bars, an entertainment lounge with live music, a lounge for high-end players, an 800-seat multi-purpose showroom and concert hall, meeting space, retail stores, an arcade and a covered parking structure. The property features 1,495 hotel rooms.

River Palms

River Palms Hotel and Casino (River Palms) is located on an approximately 35-acre site also on Casino Drive, with approximately 1,300 feet of frontage on the Colorado River. Non-gaming amenities include 1,001 hotel rooms, 10,500 square feet of meeting and convention space, an outdoor pool, fitness center, three restaurants, three full service bars, a showroom, two entertainment lounges with live music and a covered parking structure.

MontBleu

MontBleu Casino Resort & Spa (MontBleu) is situated on approximately 21 acres in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In addition to the casino, the property offers guests a choice of three restaurants and various non-gaming amenities, including retail shops, two nightclubs, a 1,500-seat showroom, approximately 14,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, a parking garage, a full service health spa and workout area, an indoor heated lagoon style pool with whirlpool and a 120-seat wedding chapel.

Lighthouse Point

Lighthouse Point Casino (Lighthouse Point) is a 210-foot, three-deck, dockside riverboat located in Greenville, Mississippi. In addition to slot machines, the riverboat inc! ludes a d! eli and bars on each floor while the dockside facility includes a buffet, a bar and 386 onsite surface parking spaces.

Jubilee

Bayou Caddy's Jubilee Casino (Jubilee), a 240-foot dockside riverboat, is located in Greenville. In addition to the casino facilities, the property includes a bar on each floor, a deli and approximately 700 parking spaces. The property also owns and operates the Greenville Inn & Suites, a 41-room suite hotel located less than a mile away, which offers free shuttle service to and from Jubilee and Lighthouse Point.

Belle of Baton Rouge

Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel (Belle of Baton Rouge) is a dockside riverboat situated on approximately 23 acres on the Mississippi River in the downtown historic district of Baton Rouge, across from the River Center, a 70,000-square-foot convention center. The three-deck, dockside riverboat casino is one of two casino facilities in the Baton Rouge market. Baton Rouge is located 75 miles north of New Orleans. Non-gaming amenities include 300 hotel rooms, 25,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, two restaurants, a deli, and an entertainment venue inside a 50,000-square-foot glass atrium that also encloses a tropical lobby.

Horizon Vicksburg

Horizon Vicksburg Casino (Horizon Vicksburg) is a dockside riverboat situated on approximately six acres in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi. The property features a 297-foot multi-level, antebellum style, dockside riverboat casino housing. Additional amenities include 117 hotel rooms, a restaurant, two covered parking garages as well as additional surface parking. In December 2010, the Company entered into an agreement to sell all of the assets and certain liabilities associated with the operation of Horizon Vicksburg.

Tropicana Aruba

The Company operates timeshare and rental units at Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino (Tropicana Aruba), a casino resort und! er develo! pment in Noord, Aruba. This resort will have approximately 361 timeshare and rental units, an approximately 16,000 square foot permanent casino, two pools, a swim-up bar & grill, a fitness center and tennis courts, which will be located on approximately 14 acres near Eagle Beach.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Igor Greenwald]

  A majority stake in casino operator Tropicana Entertainment (TPCA) also began with a Chapter 11 restructuring.

  From January 1, 2000 to June 10, 2013, Icahn Enterprises has averaged a 20% annual return, multiplying investors' money nearly 12-fold. Berkshire-Hathaway (BRK-B) has managed only a triple over the same span.

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now: Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation(SMI)

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, an investment holding company, engages in the computer-aided design, manufacture, packaging, testing, and trade of integrated circuits. It offers a range of technologies from 0.35μm to 65nm with capabilities that include logic, mixed signal/RF CMOS, high voltage, embedded, flash, EEPROM, and CIS technology. The company also provides portfolio of semiconductor intellectual property (IP) blocks from 0.35um to 65nm to support the design needs of customers; ASIC design services; reference flows; mixed-signal/RF PDKs; and multi-project wafer services. In addition, it involves in the design and manufacture of semiconductor masks; and provides assembly and testing, wafer bumping, and wafer probing/testing services. Further, the company offers marketing related activities; operates convenience stores; and manufactures and trades in solar cell related semiconductor products. Its products are used primarily in mobile, network ing, and wireless local area network applications, as well as in consumer and communications products, including digital television, set-top box, mobile, portable media player, and personal digital assistant applications. The company serves integrated device manufacturers, fables semiconductor companies, and system companies principally in the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

  The SMI (SMI) declined 0.1 percent to 8,161.14 at 10:05 a.m. in Zurich. The gauge fell 1.4 percent last week, its first retreat in five weeks. The broader Swiss Performance Index also decreased 0.1 percent today.

• [By Corinne Gretler]

  Nestle decreased 2.6 percent to 63 francs, contributing the most to the SMI (SMI)�� drop. Revenue in the first half increased 4.1 percent, excluding acquisitions, divestments and currency shifts. That missed the median estimate of 4.5 percent growth.

• [By Pato Kehoe]

  In an attempt to trim costs and increase its operational efficiencies, Estee Lauder�� business strategy last year focused on centralizing its core operating functions, as well as reducing non-profitable stock keeping units. The cost reduction program, Strategic Modernization Initiative (SMI), proved highly efficient, saving the company $781 million in 2013. Furthermore, while the program will continue throughout 2014, management announced that it would be reinvesting a large amount of the cost savings in marketing for its core brands, along with product innovation. In this regard, decentralizing innovation to better adjust to its global customer preferences, is and will continue to be a key strategy in further propelling the beauty giant�� growth.

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now: PGT Inc.(PGTI)

PGT, Inc. engages in the manufacture and supply of residential impact-resistant windows and doors. The company offers impact-resistant products, including heavy-duty aluminum or vinyl frames with laminated glass to provide protection from hurricane-force winds and wind-borne debris. It also provides a range of non-impact-resistant aluminum and vinyl frame windows and doors; Architectural Systems line of products, which offer protection from hurricane-force winds and wind-borne debris for mid-and high-rise buildings; and non-glass vertical and horizontal sliding panels for porch enclosures, such as vinyl-glazed and aluminum-framed products used for enclosing screened-in porches that provide protection from inclement weather. The company markets its products under the WinGuard, PremierVue, PGT Architectural Systems, Eze-Breeze, and SpectraGuard brand names. PGT, Inc. offers its products to residential new construction, and home repair and remodeling end markets through windo w distributors, building supply distributors, window replacement dealers, and enclosure contractors. It operates in the southeastern United States, the Gulf Coast, Coastal mid-Atlantic, the Caribbean, Central America, and Canada. The company was formerly known as JLL Window Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to PGT, Inc. in January 2004. PGT, Inc. was founded in 1980 and is based in North Venice, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  There's no foolproof way to know the future for PGT (Nasdaq: PGTI  ) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before your stock craters as a result.

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now: Eyes on The Go Inc (AXCG)

Eyes on the Go, Inc., incorporated on August 26, 2010, designs, implements, and provides services for the remote real-time monitoring of, and the control of equipment and devices located at, businesses and other facilities via computers, wireless handheld devices and television equipment using the Internet, through its Website, www.eyesonthego.com, or internal communications. As of May 1, 2011, the Company entered into a Plan and Agreement of Merger by and among the Company, Eyes Enterprises, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, and EOTG, under which Enterprises was merged with and into EOTG, with EOTG being the surviving entity. As a result of this merger, the Company changed its name to Eyes on the Go, Inc. and EOTG changed its corporate name to Eyes Enterprises, Inc. On May 11, 2011 the Company completed a Plan and Agreement of Merger with Mutual Exchange Corp. The Company was considered to be the accounting acquirer, and the merger was accounted for as a reverse merger, whereby the Company being the accounting survivor.

Users of the Company�� services can view monitored facilities from video cameras, as well as receive temperature and other data; can remotely control devices, such as thermostats, lights and locks, and can receive e-mail-based alerts of door entries and other events with video clips and of equipment failures and deviations from temperature and other parameters. Its system can also store images and data for review. The Company markets primarily to business owners and managers in the hospitality industry.

The Company competes with Control4 Corporation, SVAT Electronics, Motorola, Inc., iControl Networks, Inc., Mi Casa Verde, Inc. and ADT Security Services, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Eyes on The Go Inc (OTCMKTS: AXCG), Quadrant 4 Systems Corp (OTCMKTS: QFOR) and Cloud Security Corp (OTCMKTS: CLDS) were getting attention last week, but all three stocks trended downward on Monday. It should be mentioned that none of these stocks have been overly or heavily paid promotions. So what will these three small cap stocks do on the last trading day of the year and for the rest of this week? Here is a closer look:

Top 5 Airline Stocks To Watch Right Now

Top 5 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's 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?

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-airline-stocks-to-watch-right-now-2.html

Citigroup's Michael Corbat: Not Your Average Wall Street CEO

If you want to crack the code of a company -- to really understand what makes it tick as a business and, therefore, as an investment -- one of the things you have to get your head around is who's at the top: the person making the day-to-day and long-term decisions that will eventually make or break the company and, possibly, your portfolio.

For Citigroup  (NYSE: C  ) , that person is CEO Michael Corbat. Here's the second of two articles taking an in-depth look at this relative newcomer to the superbank's top spot: where he came from, some of the important things he's said or done, and why you could arguably buy stock in the country's third-largest bank solely because of his ascendancy to CEO.

Say what you mean
Right off the bat, Corbat did something that impressed me, or rather said something that impressed me: "I am ... humbled by the confidence the board has placed in me," Corbat said the day he became CEO. "I look forward to taking on the challenge of continuing what Vikram started." 

Corbat didn't have to use the word "humbled." Can you imagine this word coming out of the mouth of JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, or Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein? Now, I happen to like both of those guys, and think they're top notch CEOs, but each in their own way has a certain master-of-the-universe arrogance about them. Blankfein's is more subdued, and Dimon's is more brash, but it's there in both of them. I haven't seen that tendency, yet, in Corbat.

In the above statement, Corbat also demonstrated humility just by the mere mention of his predecessor, Vikram Pandit. Pandit saw Citi through the darkest days of the financial crisis, and began the process of stabilization that Corbat is still building on. By giving credit where credit was due, Corbat not only demonstrated humility, but fundamental decency -- rare qualities on Wall Street.

Best Managed Healthcare Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Mean what you say
Following up that auspicious beginning to his tenure as CEO, in March of this year, Corbat was addressing a group of 300 Citi executives at a Hilton Hotel in East Brunswick, NJ, where he told them: "You are what you measure." Upon reading this, my initial thought was, "How boring." But then it dawned on me that this was exactly the kind of thinking Citi needed at the top.

Again, you'd never hear Jamie Dimon uttering a phrase like this, but Jamie Dimon is exactly the kind of leader Citi doesn't need right now. Four years out from the financial crisis, when Pandit departed, Citi was still, to some degree, like a rudderless ocean liner. As such, Citi didn't need a swashbuckling, seat-of-the-pants captain. Citi needed a steady hand, one that was going to calmly reassert order, and give employees concrete metrics to live and work by. Boring? Maybe, but it was just what the situation required, and still does.

Corbat had the opportunity to impress me again in March of this year, this time, with his actions following the superbank's 2013 stress tests. If you recall, Citi failed its 2012 stress test, but, in 2013, it not only passed its stress test, but also outperformed lean, mean banking powerhouse Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC  ) -- not to mention investor darling and fellow post-crisis banking basket case Bank of America. 

To make a long story short, based on its performance, Citi had every right to ask the Federal Reserve to increase its shareholder dividend following its successful 2013 stress test, but it didn't. Why? To the best of my knowledge, Corbat never commented, but my best guess is he was more concerned with conserving capital and repairing the bank's balance sheet than ingratiating himself with shareholders by way of capital return.

Foolish bottom line
Corbat is a Citi lifer, and takes great pride in his bank. He wants to see Citi's health and reputation as a great financial institution restored, even if that mean asking shareholders to be patient. That's the kind of long-term thinking any Fool can get behind.

In addition to the above, Corbat knows the bank like the back of his hand, having worked in many different areas of Citi's vast financial empire, including critical businesses like Citi Holdings, and foreign operations.

I would never tell a potential investor to only consider leadership when deciding whether or not to invest in a company, but leadership has become my top consideration. The CEO is the captain of the company ship, and can, quite literally, sail it into clear waters, or into the mouth of a hurricane, as we clearly saw happen with many banks in the run-up to the financial crisis.

Certainly, do the rest of your due diligence on Citigroup before deciding whether or not to invest; but when push comes to shove, also give Michael Corbat his due. 

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10 Best Logistics Stocks To Invest In 2015

10 Best Logistics Stocks To Invest In 2015: CC Media Holdings Inc (CCMO)

CC Media Holdings, Inc., incorporated May 2007, is a diversified media and entertainment company. The Company provides radio, digital, out-of-home, mobile and on-demand entertainment, and information services for audiences and local communities, and providing opportunities for advertisers. The Company operates in three segments: Media and Entertainment (CCME, formerly Radio), Americas outdoor advertising (Americas outdoor) and International outdoor advertising (International outdoor). On April 29, 2011, the Company acquired the traffic business of Westwood One, Inc. (the Traffic acquisition). The Company, during 2011, also purchased a cloud-based music technology business. During 2011, the Company also acquired Brouwer & Partners, a street furniture business. During 2011, the Company divested and exchanged its 27 radio stations.

CCME

The CCME segments operations include radio broadcasting, online and mobile services and products, program syndicati on, entertainment, traffic data distribution and music research services. The Company's radio stations and content can be heard on amplitude modulation (AM) / frequency modulation (FM) stations, high definition (HD) radio stations, satellite radio, the Internet at iHeartRadio.com, and the Company's radio stations Websites, through the Company's iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smart phones, and via navigation systems. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned 866 radio stations, including 249 AM and 617 FM servicing approximately 150 the United States markets.

The Company operates premiere networks (Premiere), a national radio network that produces, distributes or represents approximately 90 syndicated radio programs, and serves approximately 5,800 radio station affiliates. The Company's syndicated radio programs include Rush L! imbaugh, Jim Rome, Steve Harvey, Ryan Seacrest, Elvis Duran and Delilah. It also delivers real-time traffic informat ion via navigation systems, radio and television broadcast m! edia and wireless and Internet-based services through the Company's traffic business, total traffic network. During 2011, the CCME segment generated 48% of the Company's revenues. The primary source of revenue in the CCME segment is the sale of commercials on the Company's radio stations for local, regional and national advertising. The Company's advertisers include consumer services, retailers, entertainment, health and beauty products, telecommunications, automotive and media.

Americas Outdoor Advertising

The Americas outdoor advertising segment operates in the markets of the United States, Canada and Latin America. It consists of billboards, street furniture and transit displays, airport displays, mall displays, and wall scapes, and other spectaculars, which the Company owns or operates under lease management agreements. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned and operated approximately 125,000 display structures in its Americas outd oor advertising segment with operations in the United States. The Americas outdoor advertising segment generated 21% of the Company's revenues during 2011. Americas outdoor revenue is derived from the sale of advertising copy placed on the Company's digital displays and traditional displays. The Company's display inventory consists primarily of billboards, street furniture displays and transit displays.

The street furniture displays of the Company include advertising surfaces on bus shelters, information kiosks, freestanding units and other public structures. The transit displays advertise on various types of vehicles or within transit systems, including on the interior and exterior sides of buses, trains, trams, and in the common areas of rail stations and airports. The other display inventories consist of spectaculars, wall scapes a! nd mall d! isplays.

International Outdoor Advertising

The International outdoor business segment includes the Company's operations in Asia, Australia and E! urope, wi! th approximately 34% of its revenue in this segment derived from France and the United Kingdom during 2011. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned or operated approximately 630,000 displays across 30 countries. The International outdoor segment generated 27% of the Company's revenues during 2011. International outdoor advertising revenue is derived from the sale of traditional advertising copy placed on the Company's display inventory and electronic displays, which are part of the Company's network of digital displays. The International outdoor display inventory consists primarily of street furniture displays, billboards, transit displays and other out-of-home advertising displays, such as neon displays.

The Company competes with JCDecaux, CBS and Lamar Advertising Company.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  Fans of Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI  ) have typically dismissed the surprising success of Clear Channel's  (NASDAQOTH: CCMO  )  iHeartRadio, and rightfully so. 

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  Clear attack
  Clear Channel's (NASDAQOTH: CCMO  ) iHeartRadio app has been a sleeper hit in the streaming realm over the past couple of years, but it may become an awakening giant.

• [By CRWE]

  Last Friday, CCMO remained (0.00%) +0.000 at $4.90 at the close (ref. google finance August 9, 2013 – Close).

  CC Media Holdings, Inc. previously reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.

  Revenue grew 1% to $1.6 billion, excluding foreign exchange and divestitures
  OIBDAN1 declined 5% year over year to $505 million, excluding foreign exchange and divestitures; OIBDAN margin of 31%
  Extended $5.0 billion of term loans to 2019 from 2016, and exchanged sen! ior notes! due 2016 for senior notes due 2021

• [By CRWE]

  Today, CCMO  remains (0.00%) +0.000 at $4.71 thus far (ref. google finance Delayed:   3:18PM EDT August 5, 2013).

  CC Media Holdings, Inc. previously reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.

  Revenue grew 1% to $1.6 billion, excluding foreign exchange and divestitures
  OIBDAN1 declined 5% year over year to $505 million, excluding foreign exchange and divestitures; OIBDAN margin of 31%
  Extended $5.0 billion of term loans to 2019 from 2016, and exchanged senior notes due 2016 for senior notes due 2021

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/10-best-logistics-stocks-to-invest-in-2015-2.html

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Watch For 2015

10 Best Forestry Stocks To Watch For 2015: Ensign Group Inc (ENSG)

The Ensign Group, Inc., incorporated in 1999, is a holding company. The Company is a provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitative care services through the operation of 103 facilities, five home health and three hospice operations located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. Its facilities provide a spectrum of skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice services, including physical, occupational and speech therapies, and other rehabilitative and healthcare services, for both long-term residents and short-stay rehabilitation patients. Its walk-in clinics will offer daily access to healthcare for minor injuries and illnesses, including x-ray and lab services, all from convenient neighborhood locations with no appointments. In March 2014, the Company acquired Horizon Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center, a 196-bed skilled nursing facility in Glendale, Arizona.

On January 1, 2011, the Company purchased one skilled nursing facility which also offers assisted living and independent living services and one independent living facility. On February 1, 2011, the Company purchased one skilled nursing facility in Utah, which also offers assisted living and independent living services. On March 18, 2011, the Company purchased one assisted living facility in California. On May 15, 2011, the Company purchased a home health and hospice operation in Utah. On June 1, 2011, the Company purchased an assisted living facility in Nevada. On July 18, 2011, the Company acquired nine skilled nursing facilities. On August 1, 2011, the Company acquired a skilled nursing facility in Texas; the Company acquired a skilled nursing facility in Utah, and the Company acquired an independent living facility. On October 1, 2011, the Company acquired a skilled nursing facility in California. On December 1, 2011, the Company acquired a skilled nursing facility in Nevada! . On December 30, 2 011, the Company acquired an assisted living facility in Arizona. In November 2011, the Company acquired Pocatello Care and Rehabilitation Center. On November 22, 2011, the Company acquired Homecare Solutions.

The Company's facilities provide a range of skilled nursing and assisted living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, and other rehabilitative and healthcare services, for both long-term residents and short-stay rehabilitation patients. As of December 31, 2011, it operated 102 facilities, of which it owned 77 and operated an additional 25 facilities under long-term lease arrangements, and had options to purchase five of those 25 facilities.

The Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, which include the Service Center, provides centralized accounting, payroll, human resources, information technology, legal, risk management and other centralized services to the other operating subsidiaries through contractual relationships with such subsidiaries. The Company also has a wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary (the Captive) that provides some claims-made coverage to the Company's operating subsidiaries for general and professional liability, as well as coverage for some workers' compensation insurance liabilities.

Skilled nursing facility revenue is primarily derived from Medicaid, private pay, managed care and Medicare payors. The Companys skilled nursing facilities provide Medicaid-covered services to individuals consisting of nursing care, room and board and social services. Rehabilitation therapy revenue is primarily received from private pay and Medicare for services provided at skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. Assisted living facility revenue is primarily derived from private pay residents. In addition, Medicaid or other programs in some states where it operates supplement payments for board and care services provided in assisted living facilities. Hospic e revenues are primarily derived from ! Medicare.! It derives substantially all of the revenue from its home health business from Medicare and Managed Care sources. Its home health care services generally consist of providing some combination of the services of registered nurses, speech, occupational and physical therapists, medical social workers and certified home health aides.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Ensign Group (Nasdaq: ENSG  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Ensign Group (NASDAQ: ENSG  ) has a new asset in its medicine chest. The company announced that, at the end of June, it had closed the acquisition of the Mountain View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Washington state. The center is an 82-bed skilled nursing facility located in the town of Marysville. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, although Ensign Group admitted that the purchase was effected in cash.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Ensign Group (Nasdaq: ENSG  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/10-best-forestry-stocks-to-watch-for-2015-5.html