Investors have been nervous about the stock market's nearly straight-up movement over the past several months, as stocks have been remarkably resilient even in the face of past bad news. But today's onslaught of troubling items -- ranging from slowing Chinese economic growth and a nearly 10% plunge in gold prices to the deadly explosions at the Boston Marathon -- were enough to provoke a massive sell-off on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones Industrials (DJINDICES: ^DJI ) closing down 266 points. The S&P 500 dropped more than 2%, and the small-cap Russell 2000 Index suffered a nearly 4% decline.
Not a single Dow component managed to post even the tiniest of gains, but a couple of stocks minimized their losses. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ) finished down 0.1%, fulfilling its traditional role of holding up well as a defensive stock in light of potential threats to future economic growth. The company announced that it would boost its energy efficiency and commitment to renewable energy in an attempt to cut costs, but the discount retailer's strong performance in past recessionary times is likely the real reason behind its managing to hold up well today.
Top 5 Dividend Companies To Own In Right Now: Teradata Corporation(TDC)
Teradata Corporation provides analytic data solutions worldwide. The company offers various data warehousing solutions that comprise software, hardware, and related business consulting and support services. Its solutions integrate an organization?s departmental and enterprise-wide data about customers, financials, operations, and others into a single enterprise-wide data warehouse. The company also provides various software and hardware products, including Teradata Analytic Database Software, which delivers near real-time intelligence; Teradata Platform Family for the hardware component; Teradata Logical Data Models that are blueprints for designing an integrated data warehouse; Teradata Aster MapReduce Platform, a platform for analyzing new multi-structured data sources and data types; and Teradata Integrated Analytics to convert traditional data warehouse into an analytic services environment. In addition, it offers Teradata Analytic Applications and Tools comprising da ta mining, master data management, integrated marketing management, enterprise risk management, finance and performance management, demand and supply chain management, and profitability analytics to solve business problems. Further, the company provides consulting services, such as data warehousing business impact modeling, design, architecture, installation, implementation, and optimization consulting services, as well as enterprise analytics consulting, data management, and managed services; customer support services; and training services. It serves various companies in banking/financial services, media and entertainment, government, insurance and healthcare, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, transportation, and travel industries. The company has strategic partnerships with Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, Computer Sciences Corporation, Deloitte, IBM Global Business Services, and Wipro Limited. Teradata Corporation was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Dayt on, Ohio.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By ICRAOnline]
During the quarter, the company signed distribution agreements with home improvement retailer Home Depot (HD) and technology consultant Tech Data (TDC). The agreements will help MakerBot�� offerings reach the customers through a much higher number of outlets in the North American regions than before, helping volume and revenue growth. Stratasys also witnessed strong demand for high-end systems, driven by manufacturing applications, as well as Objet-branded 3D Printers.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Yes, there are still more than two hours left in the day, but it’s New Year’s Eve and unless something crazy happens these five stocks look to be the worst of the worst in the S&P 500 in 2013. So let’s raise a big hand for Newmont Mining (NEM), Cliff’s Natural Resources (CLF) Edwards Lifesciences (EW), Peabody Energy (BTU) and Teradata (TDC).
Top 10 Defensive Stocks To Own Right Now: Parametric Technology Corporation(PMTC)
Parametric Technology Corporation develops, markets, and supports product lifecycle management (PLM) software solutions and services that help companies design products, manage product information, and enhance product development processes worldwide. Its PLM solutions comprise Windchill, an Internet-based content and process management solution for managing data and relationships, processes, and publications; Arbortext, an enterprise solution to manage complex information assets that enhance their customer support and service center information delivery processes; Creo View, which enables enterprise-wide visualization, verification, annotation, and automated comparison of various product development data formats; and Integrity that coordinates and manages various activities and artifacts associated with developing software-intensive products. The company?s desktop solutions include Creo Parametric, a family of three-dimensional product design solutions based on a parametr ic, feature-based solid modeler that enables changes made during the design process to be associatively updated throughout the design; Creo Elements/Direct, a family of computer aided design and collaboration software used for customers to meet short design cycles and to create product designs; Mathcad, an engineering calculation software solution, which combines a computational engine, accessed through conventional math notation, and with a full-featured word processor and graphing tools; and Arbortext to help customers improve documentation accuracy, speed time to market, reduce translation requirements, and lower publishing costs. In addition, it provides consulting, implementation, training, maintenance, and computer-based training products. Parametric Technology sells its products and services through direct sales force and third-party resellers and other strategic partners. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Markus Aarnio]
Autodesk's competitors include Adobe Systems (ADBE), Dassault Systemes SA (DASTY.PK), and Parametric Technology Corporation (PMTC). Here is a table comparing these companies.
- [By Eric Volkman]
PTC (NASDAQ: PMTC ) results for the company's Q2 have been released. For the quarter, non-GAAP revenue was just under $315 million, which bettered the $302 million the company posted in the same period the previous year. Net profit also saw an increase, advancing to $49.6 million ($0.41 per diluted share) from Q2 2012's $35.9 million ($0.30).
- [By Northrop Puckett]
The company is facing headwinds in the broader economy. This can be seen in declining sales in many areas of their business. Regionally, the U.S was flat; Northern Europe was up; Southern Europe was down; and emerging markets were down. Autodesk also lowered quarterly and yearly revenue expectations. This lowering of guidance by Autodesk also matches the same guidance changes made by competitors Parametric Technology (PMTC) and ANSYS (ANSS), so it is not necessarily losing out to its rivals in this case.
Top 10 Defensive Stocks To Own Right Now: Obagi Medical Products Inc.(OMPI)
Obagi Medical Products, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, markets, and sells topical aesthetic and therapeutic prescription skin care systems. It offers Obagi Nu-Derm System, including prescription and OTC drugs that are used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, laxity, and skin sallowness; Obagi Condition and Enhance Systems that are used before and after surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures; Obagi-C Rx System comprises Vitamin C with 4% hydroquinone system to treat skin conditions resulting from sun damage and the oxidative damage of free radicals; and Professional-C products consisting of Vitamin C serums for the treatment of antioxidant protection, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The company also provides ELASTIderm Eye and D�olletage, which increases the elasticity and skin tone of eyes, face, neckline, and chest; ELASTILash Eyelash Solution that enhances the appearance of thickness and fullness of eyelashes; CLENZIderm M.D. Systems and Tretinoin for treating acne; and Obagi Rosaclear System used for the treatment of rosacea. In addition, it offers Refissa and Blue Peel RADIANCE used for the treatment of fine facial lines, hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness; Metronidazole used for the treatment of rosacea; Obagi Blue Peel Essential Kit used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Further, the company licenses non-prescription product concepts under the Obagi trademark to a Japanese-based pharmaceutical company for sale through consumer distribution channels in Japan. Obagi Medical Products, Inc. sells its products through sales force and distribution partners in the United States, North and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other physicians that are focused on aesthetic and therapeutic skin care. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Lon g Beach, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Keith Speights]
"Bidness" is good
Last week, Obagi Medical Products (NASDAQ: OMPI ) made our list of humongous performers after Valeant Pharmaceuticals� (NYSE: VRX ) announced a $344 million bid for the company. This week saw a bidding frenzy, with Obagi shares jumping another 29%. - [By David Williamson]
Though many excited traders had hoped to see the bidding war continue between Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX ) and Merz over Obagi Medical Products (NASDAQ: OMPI ) and a subsequent run-up in the stock price of the smaller dermatological products maker, Merz has now walked away from the table, leaving the highly acquisitive Valeant the victor. In this video, Motley Fool health care analyst David Williamson gives us some background on these companies and tells us how Valeant plans to profit from the deal, and describes for investors why this is a win both for Obagi and for Valeant.
Top 10 Defensive Stocks To Own Right Now: France Telecom S.A.(FTE)
France Telecom provides fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, Internet and multimedia, and other value-added services to consumers, businesses, and telecommunications operators. It also offers personal and home communication services, business network services, international carriers and shared services, and integration and outsourcing services for communication applications. The company operates in France, Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. France Telecom was founded in 1990 and is based in Paris, France.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sofia Horta e Costa]
Barclays Plc (BARC) fell to a one-month low as Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. sold a stake in the lender. Fiat SpA lost 6.5 percent as Chrysler Group LLC went in for a vehicle recall. France Telecom SA (FTE) rose after its Orange Business Services unit won a five-year deal to deploy a private network for Heineken NV. Johnson Matthey Plc (JMAT) jumped to its highest price in at least 23 years after posting full-year profit that beat estimates.
Top 10 Defensive Stocks To Own Right Now: iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN)
iShares S&P Global Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poor�� Global Information Technology Sector Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the Standard & Poor�� Global 1200 Index, and measures the performance of companies that Standard & Poor�� deems to be part of the information technology sector. Component companies include those involved in the development and production of technology products, including computer hardware and software, telecommunications equipment, microcomputer components, integrated computer circuits and office equipment utilizing technology.
The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Fund�� investment advisor is Barclays Global Fund Advisors.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Russ Koesterich]
The list above is based on my team's analysis of whether sector valuations appropriately price in each sector's expected earnings growth, profitability and risk. Based on these factors, I have a preference for the energy and informational technology sectors, accessible through the iShares S&P Global Energy Sector Fund (IXC) and the iShares S&P Global Technology Sector Fund (IXN). And as I write in my new Investment Directions commentary piece, if it turns out that we do see more investors rotating out of defensives and into more attractively priced cyclicals, these two sectors are poised to especially benefit.
Top 10 Defensive Stocks To Own Right Now: Kinross Gold Corporation(KGC)
Kinross Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and processing gold ores. It also involves in the exploration and acquisition of gold bearing properties. The company?s gold production and exploration activities are carried out principally in the Americas, Africa, and the Russian Federation. As of December 31, 2010, its proven and probable mineral reserves were 62.4 million ounces of gold, 90.9 million ounces of silver, and 1.4 billion pounds of copper. The company was founded in 1972 and is based in Toronto, Canada.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lee Jackson]
Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE: ABX), Goldcorp Inc. (NYSE: GG), Kinross Gold Corp. (NYSE: KGC) and Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE: NEM) are all sold short in the account, in equal lots of 25% each. This provides the investor with the basket of stocks that make up the other part of the trade.
- [By Jim Woods]
A day earlier, Kinross Gold (KGC) suspended its semiannual dividend, and it also announced a delay in its decision on future expansion of the mill at the Tasiast mine in Africa. Finally, about a week later, AngloGold Ashanti (AU) — the third-largest producer of the yellow metal — suspended its dividend on poor earnings due to declining gold prices.
- [By Lee Jackson]
Kinross Gold Corp. (NYSE: KGC) may be the stock that give investors the most amount of leverage on a gold rebound. Management reduced the company’s annual capital expenditures forecast to $1.45 billion from $1.6 billion, saving $180 million from its cost restructuring initiatives. Cancellation of its upcoming semiannual dividend payment to its shareholders will save $182 million per year. Kinross expects to produce gold at a cost of $1,000 to $1,200 an ounce this year. The Merrill Lynch target is $7.00, and the consensus target is $6.55. The dividend, which soon will be cancelled, has a yield of 2.9%.
- [By Rich Duprey]
In the end, Kinross Gold (NYSE: KGC ) had little choice but to walk away from its massive�Fruta del Norte gold mining project in Ecuador. Like other nations with significant natural resources in its boundaries, the government of Ecuador has greedily decided it wants a bigger-than-usual slice of the riches and in the process is yet another South American country putting up a "Closed for Business" sign.
Top 10 Defensive Stocks To Own Right Now: Auxilio Inc (AUXO)
Auxilio, Inc. (Auxilio), incorporated on August 29, 1995, is engaged in the business of providing fully outsourced print management services to the healthcare industry. The Company is engaged in the business of providing fully-outsourced managed print services to the healthcare industry, working exclusively with hospitals throughout the United States. It provides solutions, a program and savings. It helps hospitals and health systems reduce expenses and create manageable, dependable document image management programs by managing their back-office processes. The process is initiated through a detailed assessment. The assessment is a strategic, operational and financial analysis that is performed at the customer�� premises using a combination of processes and technology for data collection and report generation. The Company�� customers include hospitals and integrated health delivery networks (IDN). Its subsidiaries include Auxilio Solutions, Inc. and e-Perception Technologies, Inc.
The Company helps hospitals and health systems to create image management programs by managing their back-office processes. The process is initiated through a detailed Image Management Assessment (IMA). The IMA is a strategic, operational and financial analysis that is performed at the customer�� premises using a combination of processes and Web-based technology for data collection and report generation. After the assessment and upon engagement, it charged the customer on a per print basis.
The Company competes with Xerox, Canon, Konica Minolta, Ricoh and Sharp.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By CRWE]
Today, AUXO surged (+3.26%) up +0.030 at $.950 with�200 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 9:30AM EDT August 23, 2013).
AUXILIO, Inc. previously reported financial results for its quarter ended June 30, 2013.
For the three months ended June 30, 2013, AUXILIO reported that recurring service revenues increased by $1.4 million from new contracts closed between May 2012 and April 2013; however revenues were $9.8 million, a decrease of 8% when compared to revenues of $10.7 million in the same period of 2012, due to a drop in equipment revenue. Equipment sales were $800,000 as compared to $3.1 million for the same period in 2012. Cost of revenues were $8.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013, as compared to $9.3 million for the same period in 2012. This drop was due to the drop in equipment sales offset by additional staffing and service costs from the higher recurring service revenue. Gross profit for the second quarter of 2013 was $1.6 million, or 17% of sales, compared to $1.4 million, or 13% of sales, for the same period of 2012. This improvement is a direct result of the large growth in new facilities that we added in 2012 coupled with the reduction in costs as AUXILIO�� program matures within these new accounts.
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